Monday, December 12, 2011

Christ Centered 12 Days of Christmas - Updated!



So, I must be on a 12 Days of Christmas kick this year, but I wanted to share with you the 12 Days of Christmas that we like to do. I actually want to show you two ways of using these tags. One way, is to give gifts to neighbors or friends. We have tried to cater the gifts to the specific ages and needs of the families. It has been fun for our kids to pick out gifts for our neighbors, and it helps them to remember that it is always better to give rather than to receive. Some of the gifts may seem silly, but those suggestions are geared more for younger children. These suggestions, are merely suggestions. The magic of this, is that it is really easy to cater it to fit individuals and individual families. The gifts can really be anything that goes along with the theme. There have also been some great ideas posted in the comment section below, and I appreciate those comments! This isn't meant to be another burden to check off at Christmas time or another financial burden. It is really meant to be a fun way to serve others and to remember Christ at Christmas. Please do this, so it suits you and your family, and have fun!

The other option, is to make this more of a personal journey towards Christ during the holidays. It isn't always an option to be able to give physical gifts, especially at Christmas, but we can always give of ourselves. We have also used these tags as a reminder to do a personal challenge each day to see the needs of others and to come closer to our Savior. These challenges, as are the gift ideas, are merely suggestions. You do what you feel will bring you and your family closer to the Savior.

On the first day of Christmas, Jesus Christ gave sight to the blind.
Gift: Christmas Movie, googly glasses, binoculars, or anything symbolizing sight.
Challenge: Read Matthew 12:22-23
Today, open your eyes to truly see the needs around you, and help someone you wouldn't normally help.

On the second day of Christmas Jesus Christ was the light of the world.
Gift: Candle, flashlight, night lights, or anything having to do with light.
Challenge: Read John 8:12 and Matthew 5:16
Let your light shine today and use your talents and spiritual gifts to lift someone's burdens and brighten their day.

On the third day of Christmas Jesus Christ healed the sick.
Gift: Operation Game, First Aid Kit, Toy Doctor Kit, or anything symbolizing healing.
Challenge: Read Matthew 5:25-34
We cannot always heal another physically as Christ did, but we can help to heal the spirit. Today do one thing to help heal a relationship or a person in need.

On the fourth day of Christmas Jesus Christ gave the gift of charity, the pure love of Christ.
Gift: Heart shaped cookies, heart shaped ornament or anything that symbolizes love.
Challenge: Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-8
Try to treat everyone you encounter today with Christ-like love. Show those closest around you how much you truly love them.

On the fifth day of Christmas Jesus Christ fed 5,000 with 5 loaves of bread and  2 fish.
Gift: A nice loaf of bread from Great Harvest or Kneaders and swedish fish or anything that symbolizes this miracle.
Challenge: Read Mark 6:34-44 and John 6:35
Today give of your physical or spiritual sustenance. You could make your favorite Christmas treat and deliver it to a special person, volunteer at a food bank or you could share with someone something that spiritually sustains you in times of need. You could even write a note to someone who has sustained you during a difficult time in your life.

On the sixth day of Christmas Jesus Christ made the deaf to hear.
Gift: Christmas CD, bells, or anything that symbolizes hearing.
Challenge: Read Mark 7: 32-37
Sometimes the voice of the Lord is drowned out by everyday life and we are deaf to his teachings. Take a moment to listen to the Lord and to truly listen to the needs of those around you. Listen with your heart, and act upon those feelings to do good for someone else, today.

On the seventh day of Christmas Jesus Christ gave the gift of selflessness.
Gift: The Mansion by Henry Van Dyke (There are some nice illustrated versions)
A Christmas Carol  or anything that symbolizes selflessness would work really well, too.
Challenge: Read Mark 10:42-45
Minister to someone who may feel lonely or forgotten, and give something to someone that only you can give. Remember that Jesus Christ was always concerned for the one on a personal level and try to emulate this today.

On the eighth day of Christmas Jesus Christ gave the gift of baptism.
Gift: Bottled water and dove white chocolate, bath toys, or anything that symbolizes baptism.
Challenge: Read Matthew 3:13-17
Reflect on what it means to be baptized. Today commit to change one thing in your life that will help you come closer to the Savior, be reborn, make amends if needed, and immerse yourself in goodness.

On the ninth day of Christmas Jesus Christ gave the gift of the Holy Ghost, the comforter.
Gift: Blankets, warm coat, or anything that symbolizes a comforter.
Challenge: Read John 14:26
Many times the Lord blesses the lives of his children through us. Be a comforter to someone today.

On the tenth day of Christmas Jesus Christ made the lame to walk.
Gift: Fruit by the Foot, fuzzy socks, gift card to a shoe store, or anything that symbolizes walking.
Challenge: Read Matthew 15:30-31
Walk in someone else's shoes today, and try to see this person as God sees them.

On the eleventh day of Christmas Jesus Christ clothed those in need.
Gift: New clothes, Christmas socks with candy, warm fuzzy socks or gloves or anything that symbolizes clothing.
Challenge: Read Matthew 25:34-40
Donate some old clothes to goodwill or DI, make a blanket or article of clothing for someone in need or for the homeless, or donate your time sorting clothes or other items at a clothing charity.

On the twelfth day of Christmas Jesus Christ gave his life for us so we can live with him again.
Gift: Picture of the Savior, Nativity or anything that symbolizes Jesus Christ.
Challenge: Read Matthew 26:36-75, 27, 28
Commit to become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ and to remember the sacrifice that he gave for us that we might live. Write your testimony of the Savior and share it with a family member or friend, or write your testimony in your journal.

Note: If you have any ideas for gift please share! There are a ton of different ways to do this and I would love to hear some. If you want to do this, it starts tomorrow! :)


47 comments:

  1. What a sensational idea! This really does get back to the reason for the season.

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  2. Thank you all so much for your comments! I really appreciate them! I hope you have fun surprising your neighbors!

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  3. Thank you will use for my missionary son. Instead of operation game, I'll send a vile with concerted oil in it. :)

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  4. Thank you so much for sharing this idea! I've been looking for something our family could do this year, and this is perfect!!

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    Replies
    1. I found another book that would be great to use instead of "The Mansion"... it is "The Three Gifts of Christmas" by Jennie Bishop. I love it so much that I'm giving it to all my sisters' families this year for Christmas!
      Also, instead of the Operation game, I found a cute chocolate mold for BandAid suckers (with hearts in the center).

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    2. Kim,

      That sounds so cute! Thanks so much for sharing your ideas!!!!

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  5. For the twelfth day a cross necklace and/or earrings would make a nice gift for the twelve days of CHRIST-mas.

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  6. I just have to thank you so much for all of the work you put into this and your willingness to share. I knew that I wanted to do a 12 Days of Christmas themed gift for my Secret Sister but had no idea where to begin. I tweeked the gifts a little, but oh so much fun to do. :)
    For the gift of Selflessness, I am giving the movie "Christmas Shoes" since that was the best one at the store, but thought it was a good choice!
    Thanks Again!
    Angie

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  7. Family will enjoy wrapping themselves in the warmth of this comfortable and inspirational throw! As one reflects on its powerful and encouraging message, it’s a wonderful reminder that Jesus wraps our hearts in the warmth of His love. Great christian gifts ideas and beautifully complements other items in the Redeemed Christmas Collection.

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  8. Is there a PDF to download these cute tags that you made? Thank you for this great idea. I love that it's Christ-centered rather than 10 lords a leaping, etc.

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    Replies
    1. There is a PDF for them! Just click on "download here." :)

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  9. There is a turkey thing that is on the PDF instead. Do you mind sending me the PDF.
    tnvols16@sbcglobal.net

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  10. I am repeating Celeste. There is a 15 page turkey themed download when I hit the button. I'd love to have a copy of these tags jhtch@msn.com

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  11. I love the idea, but am getting a Turkey printable when I click on the "Download here". Would you please send me the PDF? vcroshaw(at)gmail(dot)com. Thanks so much!

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  12. I get the same turkey download. I need to get this off to my son,is here another pdf?

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  13. Love the gift tags but I'm getting the turkeys too!

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  14. could you email the gift tags to a_kami@comcast.net

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  15. I would love to do this too! If you can, send me the pdf! henryhappenings{at}gmail{dot}com THANK YOU!!

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  16. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  17. I fixed the link. Sorry about that!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! And thanks for putting these together!

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  18. I thought including each of the 12 days with a star ornament from Deseret Book each day would be neat also: https://deseretbook.com/p/biblical-names-christ-ornament-set-zions-mercantile-90466?variant_id=5282

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    1. I hadn't seen those! Those are awesome. Thanks so much for sharing!

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  19. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  20. I love this idea, it's just what I was looking for, thank you! I just have one question - how did you determine what Christ did on each day? Was it just your personal choice, or is there some scriptural significance to the order that I have never heard of before?

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  21. I do the 12 days of Christmas for my kids (they are now teenagers) - I am using this one this year. For the 12th day I am giving them each a Testimony Journal with my testimony written in the front. So far they have done the suggested act of Christ that goes with each day. Thank you for a great idea!

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  22. This is by far the best "12 Days of Christmas"! Thanks for sharing.

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  23. day 1: pretty wall hanging w/ mirror
    day 2: candle
    day 3: bandaids +peppermint tea
    day 4: cookie mix +heart shaped cookie cutter
    day 5: great harvest bread GC + swedish fish and goldfish
    day 6: Mercy River CD Beautiful Dawn
    day 7: You Are Special book by Max Lucado--one that ALWAYS makes me feel the infinite love and selflessness of the Savior
    day 8: bottled water
    day 9: tied fleece blanket
    day 10: crocheted booties ornament
    day 11: fingerless gloves and hats
    day 12: nativity

    We are doing two families, so I crocheted what I could myself. We are dropping it all in a box tonight with note that says: For the next 12 nights, as Christmas draws near,
    open one gift to remember the Savior’s love for you this year.
    The greatest gift ever given isn’t made by an elf;
    the best gift we could ever receive is Jesus Christ Himself.
    There is a scripture that corresponds for the 12 days,
    listed here for you to ponder how you’ve been blessed in so many ways


    On the first day of Christmas, Jesus Christ gave sight to the blind.
    Matthew 12:22-23
    On the second day of Christmas Jesus Christ was the light of the world.
    John 8:12 and Matthew 5:16
    On the third day of Christmas Jesus Christ healed the sick.
    Matthew 5:25-34
    On the fourth day of Christmas Jesus Christ gave the gift of charity, the pure love of Christ.
    1 Corinthians 13:1-8
    On the fifth day of Christmas Jesus Christ fed 5,000 with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish.
    Mark 6:34-44 and John 6:35
    On the sixth day of Christmas Jesus Christ made the deaf to hear.
    Mark 7: 32-37
    On the seventh day of Christmas Jesus Christ gave the gift of selflessness.
    Mark 10:42-45
    On the eighth day of Christmas Jesus Christ gave the gift of baptism.
    Matthew 3:13-17
    On the ninth day of Christmas Jesus Christ gave the gift of the Holy Ghost, the comforter.
    John 14:26
    On the tenth day of Christmas Jesus Christ made the lame to walk.
    Matthew 15:30-31
    On the eleventh day of Christmas Jesus Christ clothed those in need.
    Matthew 25:34-40
    On the twelfth day of Christmas Jesus Christ gave his life for us so we can live with him again.
    Matthew 26:36-75, 27, 28

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  24. I love this! We did this to one of our friends this year. Just FYI, your print in the blog post and the downloadable tags are flip flopped for days 3 and 4. I almost put the wrong tag on one gift, so it's a good thing I read it before! Also for the deaf day we gave them a book and audio CD of it.

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  26. I realize this is a really old post but I only see 6 days in the printable. Is there somewhere I can find all 12 days?

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  27. I would also like the printable 12 days of Christmas. Could you let me know where i can find them. Thank You.

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  28. To answer the above 2 questions, at the end of her post, you click on the words, DOWNLOAD HERE
    That will take you to the PDF copies. I just printed them today and they are great!

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  29. For the 12th day I did a calendar that has a pic of Christ for each month. To help symbolize he is with us all the time.

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  34. We have done your version of 12 days of Christmas for over 10 years. It is one our families favorite Christmas traditions. Thank you!

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