Light the World: 12 Days of Christmas

This year, as part of our Christmas package from Rich's parents, there was a reminder of their family doing the 12 Days of Christmas for other families during the holidays when their kids were young.

We decided to follow their lead and we chose a family that we love and adore (and miss terribly since they moved out of our ward) to be the recipients of our 12 Days of Christmas.  It was a perfect way for us to serve as part of the Light the World campaign that the LDS Church does during the month of December.

We had so much fun putting together the gifts and making the deliveries.  

We went all 12 days and never got caught, but their kids did leave notes for the "mystery giver" thanking us and letting us know how much they looked forward to each day's delivery.

Here is what we did each day....

On the 1st day of Christmas, as you trim your tree with lights, 

take a moment to refresh yourself and enjoy a glass of Sprite.

On the 2nd day of Christmas if the skies are dull and gray, 

light this candle in your window to guide someone on his way.

It’s the 3rd day of Christmas! Read the story given here. 

When you are done reading the words, you’ll be full of Christmas cheer.

It’s the 4th day of Christmas, with so much to do ahead,

take a break from all the “doing” and enjoy this loaf of bread.

On the 5th day of Christmas as you decorate your tree, 

hang this ornament upon it where everyone can see.

For the 6th day of Christmas we bring you chewing gum.

It feels like Christmas break is never going to come.

It’s the 7th day of Christmas, coming quicker than you think,

Just open this hot cocoa and enjoy a nice, warm drink.

It’s the 8th day of Christmas and the big day is not too far.

Here’s a little treat for you to fill your cookie jar.

On the 9th day of Christmas there are many secret Christmas wishes.

We can grant the wish for you that relieves you from doing dishes.

On the 10th day of Christmas gifts are needing to be wrapped.

Here’s some tape and wrapping paper to make the task a snap.

‘Tis the 11th Day of Christmas, if you’re tired from all that shopping…

kick off your shoes, put up your feet and do a little “popping”!

‘Tis the 12th day of Christmas and the day is nearly here.

Christmas morning is anticipated by everyone all year.

But as the gifts are all unwrapped and you are having fun,

Remember the reason we celebrate is because of the Lord’s gift of His Son.

Merry Christmas!

(this box had a nativity set)

Christmas Day 2018

Lots of gifts and hugs this year at the Dougall household.

Merry Christmas 2018.

{C} the Christmas that wasn't

Someone was up all night throwing up!

Someone did not make it up to open stockings or to have Christmas breakfast.

Someone tried to join us for opening gifts...

Someone didn't last long....

Merry Christmas...from the Dougall Family

What did 2018 look like for the DOUGALL FAMILY?

TANNER & HALEY....

2 - purchased TWO snowmobiles to enjoy this winter at their home in Jackson, WY

0 - the number of days without smiles and laughter is ZERO

1 - they are enjoying their 1st year of marriage after their wedding in April

8 - they drove nearly EIGHT thousand miles this year taking road trips to the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park, Black Hills, Zions, the Arches and Bryce Canyon

CONNER....

2 - this is the 2nd year in a row for Conner to live with his current roommate, Dominic

0 - he has been to New York City ZERO times but has plans to change that this summer

1 - he hopes to complete his undergrad in Kinesiology in ONE more year

8 - he has worked at the Boys & Girls club for EIGHT months and he loves it (and they love him!)

KAITLYN....

2 - spent TWO weeks in Merida, Mexico in July as part of a Humanitarian Experience for Youth trip

0 - had ZERO rescues required of her as she worked as a lifeguard for the second summer in a row

1 - her varsity XC team took 1st place at districts in October (and went on to take 2nd place at state)

8 - she has written EIGHT college entrance essays as she looks forward to graduation from high school in June

CASON....

2 - he is working over TWO parents in hopes of getting a driver's license as soon as he turns 16 later this month

0 - he has ZERO chance of succeeding in working over said parents

1 - his summer 3x3 team took 1st place at the state qualifying tournament paving the way for a trip to Colorado Springs this spring to compete nationally

8 - he spent EIGHT days away this summer at EFY and his High Adventure rafting trip down the Deschutes River

JAKE....

2 - he was the 2nd from his 6th grade team to cross the finish line at every single XC meet this season

0 - he has gone ZERO days without practicing the piano and has become quite the talented pianist

1 - he has ONE insatiable, inquisitive mind...fact books are his favorite!

8 - he served ice cream at EIGHT summer events as part of his school's entrepreneurial club, "Junior Scoops"

TY....

2 - he came in 2nd place for his age group in the 800m at the USATF Junior Olympics State Competition in June

0 - there are ZERO books in the "I Survived...." series that he hasn't read

1 - he only has ONE more year left in primary school before moving on to middle school

8 - he and Jake took EIGHT metro rides during their Washington D.C. trip with their mom in October

RICH & KATHERINE....

2 - Rich just completed his 2nd year owning his own business...we sure appreciate his hard work each day!

0 - Rich turned the big FIVE-ZERO in May but Jake and Ty keep him young at heart

18 - after an EIGHTEEN year maternity leave, Katherine has decided to renew her nursing license and hopes to complete the re-entry program soon to embark on her next adventure 

We hope that your 2018 was as eventful and memorable as ours.  We are always grateful for the chance to

re-connect with friends and family during this holiday season and to remember our Savior, Jesus Christ, who is the true source of all of our blessings and the real reason we celebrate this season!

Love, the DOUGALLS

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve at our house means decorating Christmas boxes...

AND....my favorite part of the tradition is the photo of each child IN the decorated box.  

Not everyone fits quite as well as they used to but everyone tried :)

Christmas Eve also means each of the kids read their favorite Christmas story out loud and then choose a sibling gift to open.  The gifts exchanged between my kids are easily my favorite gifts of Christmas :)