Well, first off, did you know that the 12 days of Christmas begin AFTER Christmas?

The 12 days of Christmas is the period that marks the span between the birth of Christ (Nativity) December 25 and runs up to January 6 Theophany (Epiphany) which is when we celebrate Christ's baptism in the Jordan! These 12 days in between offers the faithful a festal period of great joy!

As Orthodox Christians, we mark the 40 days Advent leading up to the Nativity as a period of fasting, increased prayer, and giving alms and services in order to preparing ourselves spiritually to receive the coming Lord.

After any fast, we feast! Christmas is not a one day event! In fact, we spend this period of time FEASTING in all senses of the word ... celebrating with loved ones, enjoying the all the foods we have abstained from, and joyously celebrating the Lord who is with us 🎉

So don't rush to put your Christmas decorations away! Embrace this period set aside for our joy to continue!

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Ascetic Life of Motherhood

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So what is the 12 Days of Christmas Family Challenge?

For this challenge, I encourage you to find one thing per day that helps cultivate family culture in your home, create family bonds and glorify God in your family. Carve out time intentionally and find things you all enjoy together! As a visual aid, I created a printable to help you enjoy these days in a sustainable way.

Many of these activities don't need to cost money and I’ve added blank pages to both the “tickets” and “bingo card” pages so you can feel free to make your own!

12 Days of Christmas Family Challenge

$3.99

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Here’s what you’ll get in this 5 page download bundle:

-12 Days of Christmas Family Challenge Print

-Bingo Card with Family Challenge Bucket List. Just cross off whatever you accomplish during the 12 days of Christmas!

-Blank Bingo Card with Create-Your-Own Family Challenges

-12 Days of Christmas Tickets - Cut out and have your kids pick what Christmas activity for the day.

-12 Days of BLANK Christmas Tickets - Create-Your-Own tickets to cut out and display or have your kids pick!

Check it out on Instagram

Final Thoughts

If you're feeling overwhelmed trying to add MORE to your life, don't over think it. The challenge is to embrace your family the best way you know how - and by marking this special season of our Lord. It can be as simple as "make a special warm drink each evening before family prayers"!

Whatever you do, I pray it is a blessed Christmastide!

Khouria Destinie

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Theophany

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12 Month Bundle Orthodox Liturgical Monthly Printables

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Saint Lucia Traditions

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Have you ever heard of St Lucia of Syracuse? She was a young martyr who lived in the 4th century in Italy and is celebrated in many Scandinavian countries on her feast day, December 13th. Each year on her feast day, children dress up in all white, wear a crown of candles and bake St Lucia buns to share with their loved ones and friends. Many churches also host a St Lucia Procession where both boys and girls process while singing a hymn to St Lucia. She is a wonderful saint, especially for children to look to because of her acts of mercy to the poor and her boldness and bravery as she faced persecution and eventually martyrdom for the sake of Christ.

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St Barbara Gingerbread Houses

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During the Nativity season, I love to embrace all things Christmas. But I especially love a good Feast Day theme that connects a Christmas activity to a saint! There are many traditions on the feast of St Barbara as she is a beloved saint celebrated throughout the world, but since she is considered the Patron Saint of Architects, builders, and stone masons, we chose to make our Gingerbread houses on her feast day to remember her story!

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St Nicholas Day Traditions

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