The 12 Days of Christmas

Did you know that it's not just a Christmas song?  It is believed that this song is filled with hidden references to the basic teachings of the Christian Faith, and that historically, the 12 days start after Christmas - not 12 days before.
12 Days of Christmas Break Down
It's up to speculation, whether it's true or not, but then, isn't everything?

I was going to do a thing here where I, rather than 'gift guiding', would highlight some handmade things that I have come across online that would be good choices for each of the 12 Days.  But after reading up on it a bit, I've decided that naaah- I won't be doing that.

Not in that reference anyway.
I mean man, times are hard and the holidays are something that can bring us joy even when our pockets are empty and life is seeming to be a drag.

My family has what I'm now seeing is a tradition that is to make turkey and dressing with ham and potato salad all day long at our place, which seems to be home base for many.  Then we wait until the last person is home from work or where ever and we eat together.

This year, tho, things were a bit different for Thanksgiving, but still special... even MORE special,  I think!
My older brother bought the turkey and ham this year and cooked them at his place while we did the sides and desserts.  I have a brand new niece, and while things are tight, we're as blessed as we ever were.

I'm not at all (ok, well maybe I am a little, but only a little) worried about the fact that I may only be able to get my son one gift this year because 1)  That's all he ever does get from me, and 2)I know how to make memories that will last way longer than a video game or pogo stick.  And I can get the stuff to make them by using just what I have in my change cup.
A lot of mine will be made in the kitchen this year and probably always- allowing Dominic to flip over his grilled cheese sandwich or quesadilla with out holding his hand the whole time, having him help me roll out cookie dough, cut them out and put them on the pan, letting him be in charge of measuring some of the ingredients, and having such a ball watching him do it.

So, in this post, I'm not going to show you ways that you can spend your money on things for the holidays that may make your loved ones happy for a while (gonna save that for next time =-B
Rather, I'd like to invite you to think of ways to create awesome memories, or show them that you appreciate who they are and or what they do- that will make them feel happy for a while and a half.

♥