December is the time of year the days are getting cold.
A nice hot cup of cocoa is like an ounce of gold.
So find some nice hot water, and open the popcorn -- no fuss!
And once in awhile as you treat yourself, try to think of us!
(Gift: cocoa mix and bag of popcorn)

On the second day of Christmas we are steeped in tradition.
And so, to you serving there, we are making this addition.
Joyful Christmas carols we've sent along your way.
We hope these songs will brighten each coming day.
(Gift: approved music tape, Tabernacle choir Christmas tape)

On the third day of Christmas we send a little tree
And the special decorations which you will plainly see
Remind us of your service to your Father up above,
We think of you so often, and we're sending you our love.
(Gift: small tree and simple decorations)

On the fourth day of Christmas, you're always on our list.
Here's something fun to eat, so you'll know that you are missed.
Sit down -- take off your shoes -- here's something you can burn,
Kris "Pringle" will give you energy to go all out and learn.
(Gift: Pringles potato chips)

On the fifth day of Christmas, we know you have your tree.
These special little ornaments will add a touch of glee.
When placed upon the branches they remind you of our love,
And all the special blessings Father grants us from above.
(Gift: small tree ornaments)

On the sixth day of Christmas, the days go by so fast,
We wanted to provide you with something that would last.
A helpful little something that will make your kitchen cheery,
So that the task tomorrow will not seem quite so dreary.
(Gift: hot pads, dish towels, kitchen tools, recipes, or whatever)

On the seventh day of Christmas, a very special night,
We wish we could be with you, the spirit is just right.
"Love one another" was the Lord's admonition,
Sharing with each other will help fulfill our mission.
(Gift: Christmas story/stories)

On the eighth day of Christmas, we know you're feeling beat,
So set aside your books and put up your feet.
We thought of an idea that would be real neat.
Tape a long, deep breath and share this Christmas treat.
(Gift: cookies or treat)

On the ninth day of Christmas our hearts began to swell
The love we felt inside for you, we could never tell.
Please wear this token of our love throughout the day today,
If others ask just what it means -- this is what you'll say --
I AM LOVED!
(Gift: tie clip, ring, barrette, necklace, pin)

On the tenth day of Christmas we send you "Peace on Earth"
As people all around the world celebrate His birth.
To help us gain eternal life was our Lord's endeavor.
Give away this book to show "Families Can Be Forever".
(Gift: Book of Mormon)

'Tis the night before Christmas and all through the house,
Not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse.
This stocking was stuffed by your mother with care
With hopes that your Christmas is more than just fair.
So open your goodies -- your sock's full to the top
With family voices, presents, and blessings that won't stop!
(Gift: stocking filled with goodies, tapes, letters from family)

Christmas Day is special even though you're miles from home.
Whisperings of the spirit tell us you are not alone.
This gift you'll enjoy at all times of the year
So keep our thoughts close and help us feel near.

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(I rewrote this poem to read something like:

With each present we've attached
A scripture as a clue.
So look them up, and try to guess
What's wrapped inside for you.
We hope you like the things we've sent
And think we are real clever.
Because we want to wish for you
The Merriest Christmas ever!

Feel free to use either poem or write your own)

(Note with each gift should include only the scripture reference, not the
scripture, so they have the fun of looking them up and discovering their
connection to the gift. You will need only twelve, but you can select from
the following list . . .)

Psalms 23:4 "thy rod and thy staff" - candy canes
Psalms 24:4 "clean hands" - soap
Matthew 15:11 "cometh out of the mouth" - mouthwash
1 Samuel 2:9 "keep the feet" - socks
Proverbs 10:7 "memory of the just" - writing tablet
D&C 89:16 "grain is good . . . fruit . . ." - granola bar, fruit rolls
Amos 4:6 "cleanness of teeth" - toothbrush
3 Nephi 28 "three Nephites" - 3 Musketeers bar
2 Nephi 3:12 "fruit" - fruit candy, fruit rolls
1 Nephi 8:26-27 "mocking" - Snickers bar
D&C 89:20 "run and not be weary" - nylons
1 Corinthians 13:11 "childish things" - yo-yo
Job 14:5 "his days are determined" - calendar
D&C 6:33 "ye sow" - needle & thread
D&C 9:8 "burn within you" - Rolaids or Tums
D&C 24:19 "prune my vineyard" - prunes or raisins
D&C 38:8 "let every man esteem his brother as himself" - picture of siblings
D&C 65:2 "gospel roll forth" - Tootsie roll
D&C 68:6 "be of good cheer" - Cheer detergent
D&C 84:79 "laborer is worthy of his hire" - Payday candy bar
D&C 84:88 "right hand and on your left" - hand lotion
D&C 88:124 "cease to sleep longer than is needful . . ." - Now & Later candy
D&C 89:16 "all grain" - granola bars, hot cereal packets
D&C 103:9 "saviors of men" - Life Savers
D&C 111:11 "wise as serpents" - gummy worms
Moses 1:22 "gnashing of teeth" - dental floss
1 Nephi 1:4 "commencement of the first year" - calendar
1 Nephi 19:16 "four quarters of the earth" - four quarters
2 Nephi 2:25 "that they might have joy" - Almond Joy
2 Nephi 18:1 "write in it with a man's pen" - pen
2 Nephi 27:14 "words of the book" - journal, alphabet cereal or soup
2 Nephi 31:6-8 "like a dove . . ." - Dove soap
Mosiah 4:16 "succor those that stand in need" - suckers
Mosiah 14:5 "he was wounded" - Band-Aids
Alma 11:24 "puffed up in their hearts" - balloons
Alma 32:28 "a seed may be planted" - sunflower seeds
3 Nephi 14:5 "thou see clearly" - Murine, contact lens solutions
3 Nephi 17:21 "He wept" - Kleenex
Genesis 6:19 "two of every living creature" - animal crackers
Genesis 32:10 "for with my staff" - candy canes
1 Kings 10:18 "throne of ivory" - Ivory soap
Deuteronomy 8:4 "did thy foot swell" - socks, foot powder
Nehemiah 8:10 "eat the fat" - pork rinds
Job 34:31 "will not offend anymore" - certs or deodorant
Psalms 78:24 "corn of heaven" - candy corn or corn nuts
Proverbs 6:28 "hot coals" - red hots or suntan lotion
Proverbs 13:7 "yet hath great riches" - money or check
Proverbs 12:19 "lip of truth" - chapstick
Proverbs 25:25 "good news from afar" - stationery or stamps
Eccesiastis 3:1 "to every thing there is a season" - calendar or seasoning mix
Isaiah 48:21 "and they thirsted not"vcan or box of juice
Matthew 7:10 "or if he ask a fish" - tuna, Swedish fish, sardines
Luke 3:16 "not worthy to unloose" - shoelaces
Matthew 5:13 "salt of the earth" - salt shaker
1 Corinthians 10:3 "spiritual meat" - jerky
1 Corinthians 15:20 "first fruits" - fruit leather, can of fruit, etc.
2 Timothy 4:3 "having itching ears" - Q-tips

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On the first day of Christmas to add to your celebration,
We had to make this day a really COOL sensation.
Go ahead, don't be afraid of just a little razzle,
To your Christmas Spirit this will really add the dazzle!
(We sent a snowman doorknob wreath)

On the 2nd day of Christmas, we are steeped in tradition,
And so, to you out there, we are making this addition.
Christmas carols we've sent along your way
We hope these songs will brighten each and every day.
(Tabernacle Choir Christmas Tape)

On the 3rd day of Christmas, you're always on our list,
Here's something fun to eat so you know that you are missed.
Sit down - take off your shoes, here's something you adore,
The cakes will give you energy as you go door to door!
(Box of Little Debbie cakes)

On the 4th day of Christmas, even though you have no tree,
This special little ornament you will plainly see.
When hung it will remind you of our love
And all the special blessings Father grants us from above.
(Angel ornament)

On the 5th day of Christmas, the days go by so fast,
We wanted to provide you with something that will last.
A helpful little something that will make your kitchen cheery,
So that the task tomorrow will not seem quite so dreary.
(Christmas kitchen towel)

On the 6th day of Christmas, our hearts began to swell
The love we feel inside for you we could never tell.
Please wear this token of our love for you all day today,
If others ask just what it means,This is what you'll say, "I AM LOVED"!
(Tie Tac)

On the 7th day of Christmas, we know you need some fun
So here is something you can do with just your little thumb.
We know it is your favorite game of all the many sports
You can play it at the table and won't even need your shorts!
(Basketball game)

On the 8th day of Christmas, to brighten up your smile,
Take out your brand new toothbrush and use it for awhile.
Flash those pearly whites to everyone you see,
It will help you be the missionary that you want to be!
(Toothbrush and floss)

On the 9th day of Christmas, we know you're working hard.
We knew that you'd need something more than just a little card.
This is sure to help you as you're working up a sweat,
Be sure to use it every day so you'll have no regret!
(Deodorant and Cologne)

On the 10th day of Christmas, the big day will soon be here.
You know how much we love you at this special time of year.
"Love One Another" was the Lord's admonition,
So please take lots of pictures to help fulfill this mission.
(camera film)

'Tis the night before Christmas and all through the house,
Not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse.
This stocking was stuffed by your mother with care,
With hopes that your Christmas is more than just fair.
So open your goodies - your sock's full to the top
With much love from your family that never will stop!
(Stocking full of candies, pencils, stickers etc.
plus an identical one for companion)

CHRISTMAS DAY is so special though you're miles from home.
Whisperings of the Spirit tell us you're not alone.
This gift you've enjoyed at this time of year
Has kept our thoughts close and helped us feel near!
(Home State T-shirt)

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I typed them in different fonts and colors and then I cut them out and rolled them up and put them in the pockets of the advent calendar. Then I included instructions to read a quote each day.

An added bonus is that I enjoyed finding these quotes and some of them are now my new favorites!

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I folded each "link" flat so it would fit in an envelope. I purposefully got people from all different parts of my missionary's life and it was a great surprise with some. Of course, it would need to be mailed immediately if someone wants their missionary to get this before the 1st of Dec. My missionary loved it though because of how many people were so thoughtful and considerate.

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Merry Christmas Banner Decoration (PDF file)

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We are getting a large piece of green butcher paper, the kind used in schools. Then we are cutting it into the shape of a Christmas tree and then cut it into a puzzle and have family members and friends write thoughts to our Elders on the pieces. We are going to bring the pieces to our family Thanksgiving meal when all the family is gathered, so it will be easier to collect the pieces. Then we will mail the pieces along with enough tape to hang it, and it should be very light so postage won't break the bank.

Our sons can put the tree together and hang it on their door or wall in their apartment for a personal Christmas tree. Should be a lot of fun!

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We cut out a Christmas tree, seven feet tall, from green butcher paper I purchased at Roberts, a local craft store, and gave all the family and relatives ornaments cut out from red and white paper for them to write a letter or favorite quote on. We sent the ornaments in their own little baggie, as opposed to already putting them on the tree.

The missionaries loved "decorating" their tree as they read each ornament and placed it on their tree. Remember to include tape or a glue stick.

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I used a 1/2" binder and put tabs in it for each day leading up to Christmas. (Dec 1, etc.).

I wrapped an ornament for 17 days (they are all Texas/cowboy/western themed) and I looked at each ornament and did a search on the .lds website for articles were written about topics that could be associated with the ornament and that I thought would be appropriate for our missionary to get at this time. For example, one ornament is a santa (with a western hat) holding a picture frame (which looks like a "wanted" sign - from back in the day). This ornament even had the word "wanted" printed on it. I put a picture of Elder Reynolds in it. The talk I chose to go with this ornament was given by President Thomas S. Monson (Ensign, June 1989) entitled, "Finisher's Wanted".

I packed a tree had room enough for all the ornaments and labeled each item for what day they are to be opened.

The remainder of the days (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 & 24) I printed out poems and stories I have found. One is the Night before Christmas - Texas style, etc.

P.S. I am using the poem that was just recently posted on MM. I have included activities for them (My son and his companion) to do together so they can get to know each other better. I gave them assignments to give things out to others, etc. I hope they like it.

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We passed origami paper around to ward members, primary and YW/YM, and also family and friends. Each person wrote a personalized message on a paper and returned it to our family. Family and friends who do not live close emailed notes which we printed right onto the origami paper.

We folded each note into a paper crane, and stuffed them all into a box. My son's box had well over 100 cranes/notes. We sent them by regular mail because the box weighed hardly anything so was very inexpensive.

We got back happy reports from the missionaries! They enjoyed unfolding each crane and reading the note. My son's favorite was a drawing from one of the cute little primary girls. It had a caption that read, "MAYBE I will make you cookies when you get home". The big "maybe" made him laugh; he said that note got hung up in the apartment.

Mary in Idaho
Missionary in Nagoya Japan, July 2010

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Then I laminated it so it would hold up well while we finished the album.

I took pictures of people he knows holding or displaying the poster the ways they chose; some were very creative while others just held it.

I took pictures of the poster with his dog, car, fish tank, in front of his school, etc.

It became a missionary tool, too as I was able to get pictures of some of our non-member friends with the poster also.

Then I got them developed (usually you can find a place that will give you a cheap price for 30-50 prints).

Then I bought a very small album that was just big enough to hold the photos.

I wrapped it and put it in his stocking. With the ideas on this site for the 12 days of Christmas, it would make a really nice gift for one of the 12 days.

He told us it was his favorite gift.

I tweaked the poster this year for my daughter (she's one of 2 missionaries out this year) and I am doing the same for her!

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This past Saturday evening we hosted it in our home and started with a pot-luck dinner where each set of parents (some are single parents) brought a dish representing a food from the area in which their missionary is serving - a great conversation piece in itself!

We passed around pics we have received from our missionaries and shared information. We also forward our emails from our missionaries to each other. Our Bishop also sends the emails to the Priests in the ward in hopes it will encourage them to prepare to serve.

We then discussed what others have or are doing for their missionaries for Christmas. One couple who has their second missionary serving said they took a piece of blank newsprint and set a length for each missionary serving in their ward on a long table in the cultural hall and announced in sacrament meeting and other meetings that they were all encouraged to write a note to the missionaries to wish them well.

On the top of each page was "Happy Holidays (missionaries name) from your ward family!" They had a few weeks and when it was time, they folded it up and sent it in a manila envelope and got very positive replies from the missionaries who received them. The family with their 2nd missionary out said that the Father received such a Christmas gift while he was serving and both he and his first missionary have kept theirs and they will always be treasured. Some who wrote thoughts for them may never be seen again, but they will never be forgotten either!

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Everyone was soooo willing to do this for us!! I collected all of them and mailed them in his Christmas package with directions to not open that gift until Christmas Day.

During our Christmas phone call he said it was the best Christmas ever to be able to read the testimonies of the Savior and his gospel from those who meant the most to him.

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This year I have asked family, friends and ward members to write their favorite quote, scripture or thought and tell what it means to them and then put their name on it and email it back to me.

I'll print them, put them in plastic page protectors with a cover page and tie it with decorative wide ribbon to bind it as a book.

My 1st son said it was his most memorable gift and I know my son that is in Samoa will cherish this and be able to use the scriptures and quotes in his missionary work there!

Last year I also got a hardbound Book of Mormon, typed out our family's testimony and glued that and a picture of our family in the front cover of the Book of Mormon. I then wrapped it as a gift very beautifully and put a note on it requesting our Missionary to prayerfully find some special to give this Book of Mormon to for Christmas. It was a wonderful experience!

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Sunny

- - - - - - - To make a tri-fold Christmas tree:

I made a template of a triangle 1 to 1 1/2 inches smaller than the flat rate envelope I used.

I made my own green wire tree, pinning thumbtacks on the template, wrapping the wire up and down, back and forth.. Eight rows and eight columns. Make three.

However, the smarter and much faster thing would be to get some wire mesh (1 x 1 inch squares or smaller), then cut out the size you need.

I found in Walmart's Christmas section, spools of very small holly leaves. It took two. Then I just wrapped back and forth, covering the wire mesh, wiring the ends as I went. I also found in the very small stretch, glittery ribbon to put on it.

I found in the craft section very small marble beads, and wired them in place on each triangle. By wiring them, make sure to secure to the wire mesh. Adds strength and support.

Because I do not have a Michael’s or Robert’s Crafts, I am very limited in my choices. Last year I was able to get candy canes, stars, etc. for a different project.

I attached the three triangles together, leaving one side open. Folded them flat in the envelope. Just like the tomato wires. I sent extra wire and such for Tyler to attach the third side.

You can add a base and a tree skirt of your own design. I forgot; it was the thought that counts. :-)

Next year I will have another missionary somewhere, so I will do it sooner and be able to do more.

MM Sunny, Utah
RM Caleb, Mexico Tijuana Mission, Jan 2007 - Feb 2009, now at BYU
Elder Tyler, Peru Lima South Mission, Oct 2008 - Oct 2010

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Since most of the missionary apartments only have microwaves they rarely get to bake anything. He said they "baked" a celebration cake after their last baptism and it was *sweet*! My husband has actually decided to try to locate a local tupperware salesperson in Uruguay and have them deliver it to the mission home.

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