Enriching Christmastime Through Gift Giving All 12 Days
A practice my family began before we found our home in the Catholic Church—but which has been even more enriched since—is spreading the opening of presents across all 12 days of Christmas. It’s a simple way to live more fully in the rhythm of the liturgical calendar while making the joy of the season last. Here’s what our setup looks like, but YMMV:
Advent Beginnings: At the start of Advent, right after Thanksgiving, we put up some simple decorations: an Advent calendar, Advent wreaths, and winter accents that reflect the season of preparation.
Gaudete Sunday Festivity: Around Gaudete Sunday, we bring out the more festive decorations, including our Christmas tree. This shift helps us lean into the growing joy of Christ’s coming.
Christmas Eve Stockings: On Christmas Eve, we open the gifts in our stockings, kicking off the celebrations with a small but exciting start.
The Twelve Days of Christmas: From Christmas Day through the 12th day of Christmas, we take turns opening gifts each day. Sometimes it’s a single present per family member, other times it’s a themed set or a few smaller items. Each night, we restock the tree, keeping the anticipation alive.
Gradual Close: Decorations come down slowly, with the most central ones—like our Nativity scene or tree—staying until Epiphany.
Spiritual and Practical Joys
Spreading out our gift-giving has brought both spiritual and practical blessings to our family. Living in tune with the liturgical calendar helps us focus on the deeper realities of the season, reminding us that Christmas doesn’t end on December 25th—it’s just the beginning!
On a practical level, this tradition has been especially meaningful for our kids. Having a whole day to enjoy each gift allows them to truly appreciate what they’ve received, instead of rushing to the next thing. It’s a natural way to foster gratitude and patience.
The joy and festiveness of the season are also spread across the full 12 days. Instead of a sharp letdown after Christmas Day, the celebration continues, making the entire season feel special.
A Tradition Worth Sharing
This tradition has become a cornerstone of our family’s Christmastime, blending spiritual depth with simple joys. If you’re looking for a way to enrich the season, consider adapting this idea for your own family—you might find it just as meaningful.