VPS.net’s 12 Days of Christmas – 7 Swans a-Swimming

With only one week to go until Christmas, it is crunch time – time to cram everything in. Learn how you can make the most of your last seven days until Santa comes.

Over the last several days, we’ve looked at a variety of ways to get into the Christmas spirit. We’ve talked about music (bagpipes and drums in particular), baking cookies, and other traditions that really put us in that Christmas mood. Everyone fears that the 25th will come and go without realizing it. For many, the fear of not finishing up Christmas shopping begins to set in. The week before Christmas shouldn’t be a stressful one. Instead, it should be filled with activities to make the most of this special time of year.
I’ve compiled a list of seven traditions that you can try out so that you can enjoy the week before Christmas rather than dread it.
 

1. Make a gingerbread house. There are many options when it comes to making a gingerbread house. You can purchase a pre-made kit, use graham crackers and frosting, or start from scratch and make everything yourself! This is a fun way to show your creative side and to have meaningful conversations (or not!) with family as you all work on your houses. Don’t forget to steal a gumdrop or two.
2. Have an ugly Christmas sweater party. Throw a small party with friends and family and make them wear the ugliest Christmas sweater they can find! It usually helps if you give out some sort of prize for the ugliest and most creative one. Heat up some wassel, bake some cookies, and enjoy some good company, all while wearing absolutely hideous attire.
3. Watch Christmas classics. “It’s a Wonderful Life”, “Miracle on 34th Street” and “White Christmas” are all classic Christmas movies that are inspiring, charming and magical.
4. Bake cookies. Baking cookies while listening to Christmas music is a great way to get in the spirit. Refer to my last post, 8 Maids a-Milking, for the history on leaving cookies for Santa. Double the recipe and take the extra cookies to neighbors and friends that live around you.

5. Write a letter to Santa. Although this activity may be more fun with small children, I see no harm in writing a letter to our favorite jolly friend. If you have kids, help them realize that they should be polite and kind to Santa Claus in their letters. It’s ok to ask for specific gifts, but remind them to say please and thank you.

6. Camp in front of the tree. Little kids love sleeping anywhere other than their beds. A fun idea for families is to have everyone sleep in front of the decorated Christmas tree. Leave the Christmas tree lights on, read “The Polar Express,” and cuddle up next to the fire.
7. Find a way to serve others. I can’t think of a better way to really feel the power of Christmas than serving and helping others. Your service can be simple such as shoveling your neighbor’s driveway, or a little more in-depth such as volunteering at a homeless shelter. Go through your closet and find some old clothes that you may not wear on a regular basis and donate them to a charity. This simple act of kindness can really help a family in need. Many families don’t have the privilege of having a warm, merry Christmas. Service is a great way to provide families with that chance.

There are countless traditions that we can participate in every year. It’s fun to add new traditions, while keeping some of the old ones. 7 Swans a-Swimming is actually a reference to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. Christmas is a perfect time to appreciate the gifts in our lives, and find ways to give to others.
VPS.net values their clients. Check out the various cloud hosting options we have available during this holiday season.