Two Turtle Doves...

At the Akathist to Saint Stephen at my Father-in-Law's Parish

On the Second Day of Christmas we remember Saint Stephen the Protomartyr

1.  Read (or retell) pages 18 and 19 in Celebrating the Twelve Days of Christmas.  Read any other books your family may have on Saint Stephen.

2.  Many times, we bake and are given many delicious treats at this time of year.  Put together a few plates of goodies or a container of yummy leftovers to bring to an elderly person that you know, someone in need, or someone that lives alone.*

3.  Place an Icon of Saint Stephen in a prominent place.  It would be nice to add one to the centerpiece on the dining room table, on your feastday table, or in the icon corner 

4. Host a night of Caroling!  Ask everyone to bring their favorite type of cookie and set up a hot chocolate bar with lots of different marshmallows, sprinkles, cinnamon, whipped cream, peppermint sticks, etc.*

5.  Plant bulbs in pots to enjoy when the decorations come down

 

:::::

Using Celebrating the Twelve Days of Christmas  as a framework, I am going to plan little activities and readings for the Twelve Days of Christmas.  Because of family obligations (we have two family parties back-to-back these next two days) and church events (Metropolitan Tikhon is visiting our parish this coming weekend!), we will not get to everything.  However, it will  be nice to refer to these Christmas Learning Baskets in future years.  Also, I would love to hear your suggestions for things to add...  this is a work in progress!

*Idea taken from Celebrating the Twelve Days of Christmas