I’m a bit of a mess when it comes to this time of year. On one hand, I love it. The food, the carols, the gift giving, the time with family are all wonderful parts of Christmas. Adding Advent into my yearly rhythms a number of years ago has only made it better. Having a time of reflection, preparation, and anticipation not only enhanced my remembrance of the first coming of Jesus but has increased my longing for His return.

On the other hand, I can be a bit of a grumpy pants. I almost started turning over tables in the store when Christmas decorations came out the day after Halloween. I rail against the desire to rush through Advent. I grumble about how busy all the days are before we get to the 25th. And the spirit of Ebenezer Scrooge descends upon me when I am asked if a gift can be opened on Christmas Eve.

But perhaps my biggest complaint each year is the way Christmas has been relegated to one day. Really?!? Is one day sufficient for the celebration of the birth of the Savior, the Incarnation of the second person of the Trinity? Should four weeks of preparation in Advent, which is traditionally a time of fasting and repentance, conclude with one day of feasting? It seems obvious more is needed.

And, historically, there was more. The season of Advent was followed by the season of Christmas. That is why we say, “Tis the season”, not “Tis the day”. In the church year, times of fasting are followed by times of feasting. Thus, Lent is followed by Easter (which is also not relegated to one day but is a period extending until the Day of Pentecost).

So, Christmas actually runs from December 25th until January 6th, the Day of Epiphany (also Jack’s birthday), which starts the season of Epiphany. So, that is 12 days of the Christmas feast. This is the basis for the carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas. Now while some have imported religious meaning to each day (two turtle doves = the Old and New Testaments), it was more likely a memory game entrenched in a song. The important point here is the recognition that Christmas is 12 days long.

Now, I know that our current cultural moment makes it difficult to actually fully observe a 12-day feast. Even the kids will be back in school before Christmas is over. And it can be challenging to figure out how to fill each of the 12 days. We tried it one year and while I remember it fondly, we had to get creative.

So, while you may not be able to do something every day, here are some suggestions for simple things to do during the 12 days of Christmas to make your celebration be even fuller and more joyous

* Do a jigsaw puzzle together
* Have a pajama party and spend the whole day in your PJs
* Watch a movie together and make sure to have lots of popcorn and other snacks
* Take a hike together (weather permitting, of course)
* Do a read aloud of a favorite book during the 12 days (Each of the Chronicles of Narnia is just the right length to span the entire Christmas season - hint, hint)
* If your kids are older, get everyone a new book and just have a reading day
* Bake cookies together and decorate them
* Play board games. Maybe get a new one as a family gift.
* Go caroling, especially to older folks or those who can’t get out and about easily
* Invite neighbors over to share your cookies and some hot chocolate
* Let everyone have a night to choose what’s for dinner
* Take naps
* Make sure there are lots of hugs and kisses to go around

Those are some random ideas and possibilities. Come up with your own that fits you and your family. Let the kids have a say. Saints, let’s do all that we can to make the season of Christmas an extravaganza that truly reflects the wonder of the Incarnation, the birth of the Savior, and the joy He brings.