The 12 Days of Christmas

The holiday season proves difficult for some, delightful for others, and then the rest of us get so bogged down in the commercialization of Christmas, we forget to reflect on what is most important.   It is no different for our family.  With 5 kids, Christmas seems like one giant headache. Not wanting to disappoint, but also not wanting to send our pocketbook to the funny farm.  Credit cards are a big no,.. seasonal toys are not worth the interest rate, for these passing fads will have been played through and tossed aside much sooner than you can finish paying for it.   This year I am trying hard to turn a blind eye to commercialization. My Christmas shopping has been mostly from the homemade category.  I have thus far, a knitted hat ans scarf for my youngest son, homemade sweets for all my kids, homemade Christmas tree skirt and nativity scene. Homemade Christmas tree ornaments and Christmas cards and tags.  My sister says to me, "Yeah, but YOU can do all that... what about those of us who don't have a creative bone in their body?!" Then let those of us who are creative help you!  There is a worldwide handmade community right at your fingertips,.. it is called Etsy.com. Also, check your local newspaper, schools and churches for craft fairs locally. Some of those crafters wait all year to offer you some homemade goods.   My children and I have our own Etsy store... www.etsy.com/shop/knottmom. There you will find some of our handmade cards & ornaments, enchanted reindeer nibbles to sprinkle in the yard to help lure Rudolph to your home Christmas eve... and lots of other neat things. Right now we are having our very own "12 Days of Christmas" Sale! Now thru the 12th of December...  and for all my blog and Facebook followers, enter coupon code "GINGERBREAD" for a sweet 10% extra off your entire order!

Did you know that the 12 items in the "12 Days of Christmas" are actually religious symbols??

1 True Love refers to God
2 Turtle Doves refers to the Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens refers to Faith, Hope and Charity, the Theological Virtues
4 Calling Birds refers to the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
5 Golden Rings refers to the first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which gives the history of man's fall from grace.
6 Geese A-laying refers to the six days of creation
7 Swans A-swimming refers to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the sacraments
8 Maids A-milking refers to the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing refers to the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords A-leaping refers to the ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping refers to the eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming refers to the points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed

I think I may share this at the dinner table this evening!!!  

Now I'm off to make some paper snowflakes with my kids...

Blessings to all, see you real soon!