12 Days of Christmas

Last Christmas, it seemed like my husband lived in a tent on foreign soil even though he worked twenty minutes away. His schedule rarely allowed him to be home for dinner or greet us in the mornings. In that season of busyness and distance, I longed to connect with my husband over the holidays. I wanted him to feel cherished amid the stress of a demanding job he could not change. So, to display my love for him, I gifted him with 12 days of Christmas cards.

A gift of the written word contains the magical ability to inch us a little closer to our loved ones when duty separates us. Whether you are apart on the holidays due to deployment, an unaccompanied tour, training, or excessive work hours at home, cards and letters serve as a beautiful way to remind your family member of your commitment and care.  

We desire to show our love even more than usual when we find our family separated during the holidays. The song "The 12 Days of Christmas" depicts this same sentiment. We want our spouses to know how dearly we miss them and wish to be together, so let's lavish them with our love for not one day but 12! 

Get as creative as you want on this project, or keep it simple. Once complete, number each card, letter, and gift. If your soldier is in a different geographic location, mail all 12 cards and accompanying presents in one package, if possible. If your service member is at home, give them a new card each day or hide the card somewhere they always look (like on their pillow or the driver's seat of their car). 

Here are 12 ideas you can use for your cards and gifts. Of course, feel free to edit the wording to fit your family member best. 

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me 
a list of my incredible qualities.  
Include a list of your favorite attributes about your spouse. 

On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me 
a specially selected gift. 
If you want the present to fit in the envelope, consider a gift card.

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
a unique experience to create new memories. 
Consider purchasing tickets to an event your loved one would enjoy or booking an adventure such as ziplining or skydiving. 

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me 
a delightful treat (or a healthy snack) to enjoy. 

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me 
a letter containing their favorite memory about us. 

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me 
something _____________ that I will love to see. 
Here are some possible fill-in ideas: flirty, funny, exciting. Include a gift that matches your fill-in. 

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me 
a gift of my choice given upon request.

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
a full-body massage fit for a king/queen.
This gift will give your spouse something to look forward to if you are apart! 

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
a book to (entertain, inspire, educate, etc.).

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
something to make me laugh.
Include a funny card, a list of jokes, a link to a funny video, or a gift code to stream a comedy. 

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me 
a present for the hobby that I love. 

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
a prayer/poem written lovingly for me. 

The 12 days of Christmas begin on December 14th. Plan accordingly for shipment and delivery times. May this gift idea fill your holiday season with much love, anticipation, and joy! 

See Article in military spouse magazine