On December 13th, there are officially 12 days left until Christmas! A fun and creative Christmas tradition I remember from my childhood is called "The Twelve Days of Christmas. It all starts on December 13^th and continues up until Christmas Eve, December 24^th. My favorite “12 Days of Christmas” is to leave one nativity piece each night and at the end of the 12 days the family will have a complete nativity scene.

First, chose a family or individual who would appreciate a little extra Christmas joy and each day, starting on the 13th, a leave a small gift for that person, anonymously.

The next step is to find a nice nativity scene, preferably with 12 pieces. Twelve piece nativities are pretty easy to find however, this year I was only able to find an 11 piece set so will also do a string of white lights, oval mirror to display or a star shaped ornament for their Christmas tree. I paid $19.00 for my nativity set.

Beginning 12 days before Christmas, deliver one piece of the nativity to your selected family. This Christmas tradition is especially fun if you are doing it with kids. Kids love to doorbell ditch and will quickly get into the Christmas spirit by taking part in The Twelve Days of Christmas. We try to do this after dark, or leave the nativity pieces on the porch when the family isn’t home. Important- don’t get caught! It’s much more fun to remain anonymous!

You may want to attach a nativity scripture to each nativity piece. You can find a free download of suitable scriptures at www.familyreunionhelper.com. Deliver one piece of the nativity each night for 12 nights– the last one being baby Jesus on the Christmas Eve, December 24th.

www.familyreunionhelper.com

Joseph

Luke 2:4

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem…

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Mary

Luke 2:7

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

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Donkey

Luke 2: 1, 3-5

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Agustus, that all the world should be taxed… And all went to be taxed, every one to his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, into the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.”

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Cow

John 1:3

All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made.”

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Lamb

Luke 2:8

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field…

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Lamb

Luke 2:8

…keeping watch over their flock by night

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Shepherd

Luke 2:20

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

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Shepherd

Luke 2:8

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

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Camel

Galatians 6:2

Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

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Angel

Luke 2:9-10

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

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Star

Matthew 2:10

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

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Manger

Luke 2: 12

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

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Angel

Luke 2:15

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

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Wise Man

Matthew 2:1

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem.

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Wise Man Matthew 2:12

Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

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Wise Man

Matthew 2:11

And when they had opened their treasures, they

presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense,

and myrrh.

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Baby Jesus

Luke 2:11

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.