The 12 Days of Christmas

I know you think Christmas is over, but actually—”On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me…”

The twelve days of Christmas mentioned in the song are referring to the 12 days between Christmas and the arrival of the three kings to the Bethlehem—thus December 26 through January 6. To a girl who grew up in a Cuban family, these weren’t ordinary Kings—these were The Three Magic Kings Los Tres Reyes Magos that brought the really choice presents to us on January 6. My family eventually adopted Santa Claus as well (to a kid, the more magical bearers of presents the better).

In celebration of the 12 days of Christmas (December 26 to January 6) here are a few suggestion you can give your true love (or a friend that might need a little love) that will have them start the New Year singing:

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On the first day of Christmas (Dec. 26) my true love gave to me—a partridge in a pear tree

I was so excited to find a cute little salt and pepper shaker at Pottery Barn, I started singing in the store! Also for pear--Eminence Pear & Poppy Seed Microderm Polisher. My friend Colleen recommended this organic scrub because it smells great and she thinks it makes her skin looks 10 years younger (with a testimonial like that, who needs a pear tree?).

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On the 
second day of Christmas (Dec. 27)—two turtle dovesI love turtles and these soap dishes make a perfect gift (even if you give just one). The Dove beauty bars contain ¼ moisturizing cream that leave skin clean, soft, and smooth without over stripping skin of natural moisture.

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On the third day of Christmas (Dec. 28)—three French hensA friend of mine received three frozen Cornish hens wrapped in a French flag. Although creative, I’d rather get these hen candles by Gianna Rose Atelier. These beautifully detailed candles have a fresh linen scent and come boxed with  a Porcelain Dish.

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On the fourth day of Christmas (Dec. 29)—four calling birds
I found these (and so many more) phone cases on etsy.com

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On the fifth day of Christmas (Dec. 30)—five golden rings!I know they aren’t actually rings but these Goody hair accessories can be worn as jewelry, and whenever you need a hair binder, it will be at hand.

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On the sixth day of Christmas (Dec. 31)— six geese a laying
Technically they aren’t geese or eggs but Eos lip balm in sweet mint 95% organic, 100% natural, and paraben and petrolatum free (what’s not to love). I have at least 5 of these in different flavors stashed everywhere to keep my lips smooth all winter.
This great egg tray from Fishs Eddy hold half a dozen eggs or anything else that might need to be organized (dishwasher safe).

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On the seventh day of Christmas (Jan. 1)—seven swans a swimming Chrome plated swan ring holders from Umbra so you always know where you left your rings.

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On the eighth day of Christmas (Jan. 2)…eight maids-a-milking
Au Lait bath powder and body milk—these sumptuous pamper products are enriched with the natural goodness of organic milk and blended with a range of skin enhancing ingredients. Au Lait skin care will leave skin hydrated, smooth and milky soft.

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On the ninth day of Christmas (Jan. 3)—nine ladies dancingOncidium orchids or as they are more commonly known, “dancing ladies,” are one of my favorite orchids. They can grow in a variety of climates and their lovely yellow blooms last any where from 2 weeks to 3 months. Available at Bachman’s.

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On the tenth day of Christmas (Jan. 4)—ten lords a leaping
This one almost stumped me, but then my daughter was invited to a birthday party at Sky Zone. Not only was it fun, but great exercise as well! Our cheeks had a rosy glow when we left! Sky Zones are located in Oakdale and Plymouth.

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On the eleventh day of Christmas (Jan. 5)—eleven pipers piping
Piper-Heidsieck champagne has been around since 1785; around the same time that the 12 days of Christmas lyrics were first published in England. The champagne was a inspired by love. A German boy falls in love with a girl from Champagne and endeavors to create a sparkling wine worthy of a queen.

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On the twelfth day of Christmas (Jan. 6)—twelve drummers drummingNo one is going to say no to this one.  Just don’t eat all twelve in one sitting. Drumsticks by Nestle are available in so many flavor combinations there is not doubt you can please everyone.

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Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year!