12 Days of Giving
by Ellen Rhodes

The Twelve Days of Christmas. We all know the familiar carol (at least we think we do until we actually go to sing it)—an advent calendar in song that marks the approach of the most celebrated day of the year.

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Unfortunately, for some families this time of year affords little to celebrate. Financial stress, or any form of stress, is magnified intensely when the holidays approach. And some families simply won’t have much waiting for them when that twelfth day arrives.

For these, circumstances surrounding this time of year can be gloomy. But thankfully, this time of year comes not only with more bills to pay, but also with more love to give. This “Twelve Days of Christmas” project is designed for a very special family in your neighborhood or area that you’ve discovered has fallen on hard times this season. This project may take a little more time and creativity, but it’s sure to be one both families will eagerly await throughout each of the twelve days. It could also become a Relief Society or Young Men or Young Women’s group project (sharing the “days” among various families).

Below is a list of twelve themed ideas you can give your chosen family to accompany the familiar Christmas carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Place a card or piece of paper in each daily basket (or you could use bags) to indicate that day’s phrase from the carol.

A Partridge in a Pear Tree

Give your chosen family a lovely basket of pears. Or, surprise them with some of your canning treasures from last year and present them with several jars of canned pears. Another option could be to make a pear treat such as a pear crisp, pear tarts, or pear muffins (search online recipe sites to find dozens of delicious pear recipes).

Two Turtle Doves

Surprise your family with a basket of Dove brand soap and other useful bathroom items like new towels, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.

Another idea is to treat them to a sampling of Dove brand chocolates and chocolate-covered turtles (nut clusters). If the family has young children, then they would surely enjoy a stuffed turtle toy on this day as well.

Three French Hens

Treat your family to a dinner of Cornish game hens along with rolls and a side dish—one hen for each member of the family. This dish is rather fancy looking, but it’s actually relatively inexpensive, is the perfect single-serving size, and you can often find the hens on sale during the holiday season. Just be sure the items are properly covered, it’s well before mealtime, and your family is at home, before leaving this gift on the doorstep.

If you’d rather not arrange a meal on this day, then here’s another idea (especially good for a family with young children): Go to your local bookstore or shop online and purchase a copy of the classic children’s story The Little Red Hen for your chosen family. Along with this book, present the family with a loaf or two of homemade wheat bread (the end product of the little red hen’s hard work in the story). You could also give them a jar or two or homemade jam to make the gift extra special.

Four Calling Birds

On this day, give your family a prepaid calling card so they can spend some time making long distance phone calls without worrying about having to pay a bill.

Five Gold Rings

Put some of that great canning you did last summer to work. Surprise your family with five jars of various canned fruits and vegetables—the metal ring topping the jars is the “ring” in this case.

Six Geese a Laying

This day’s surprise is a basket holding plastic eggs—one for each member of the family you’re helping. Each egg contains a small gift for each family member. It could be a pair of earrings for the mom, a tie tack for the dad, some colorful hair bands for a girl, and a new tie (rolled to fit in the egg) for a boy. Write the name of the corresponding family member on the outside of the egg.

Seven Swans a Swimming

This may not seem like a very seasonal gift, but any family going through financial stress could absolutely use a recreational break. This day, leave your family with some pool equipment: a couple of beach towels, swim goggles for the kids, and a water noodle or blow up toy. Also give them a family swim pass for a day at a local indoor pool.

Here’s another idea for day seven: Everyone’s favorite “Schwan’s Man” is capable of bringing his delivery truck to homes throughout the U.S. (and if home delivery isn’t available in your area, you can order from the website and have items shipped). If you aren’t familiar with Schwans (their logo is a swan—hence day seven’s connection), it’s a terrific frozen foods delivery service offering everything from frozen ice cream treats to corn dogs, to gourmet dinners. Visit schwans.com to order products or gift certificates.

Eight Maids a Milking

This day, leave your family with a gallon of milk, a carton of cocoa, some marshmallows, and come cookies. You could also give them a few decorative mugs to make the package look even more festive.

Nine Ladies Dancing

After making sure the family has a VCR or DVD player, purchase a fun family musical with plenty of dancing—something like The Music Man or Annie. (And don’t forget a few packages of microwave popcorn.)

Ten Lords a Leaping

Help your chosen family leap into a little fun with a game of tiddlywinks. This inexpensive game is a classic that adults will probably remember with fondness, and kids will love learning as their “winks” leap around the table and into the pot.

A gift of jump ropes is also a fun way to leave a mark on this “hoppy” day.

Eleven Pipers Piping

Okay, this one’s a bit of a stretch as far as the word connection is concerned, but help the presentation along by pasting a picture of a kilt-wearing Scottish bag pipe player next to your “Eleven Pipers Piping” card or sign. Then, leave your family with a pair of comfy plaid pajama pants—one for each family member.

Twelve Drummers Drumming

On the last night of your twelve days of gift giving, surprise your family with a warm chicken dinner with plenty of the “drumsticks” that the kids will love in particular. Make this evening really special by giving them the works: a salad, rolls, potatoes and gravy, and dessert.

If you’d rather not leave a dinner on this night (and especially if you know your chosen family likes sports), you could leave your family with tickets to your nearest university’s next home football game. Cut out a picture of the team’s marching band drum line to attach to this day’s card with the final line from the carol.

As hard as it may be to confront difficult circumstances, the good news is that it affords friends and neighbors the wonderful opportunity to offer service and show compassion. And when we come together with this objective, the sadness that may have been almost insurmountable will have a difficult time remaining for long. Offering that feeling of hope and understanding to those who are struggling is giving them the best gift of all.

LDS Living Magazine, Nov/Dec Issue

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