How to Celebrate the Seventh Day of Christmas

The line between holiday symbolism and commercialism is thin. So how do we get a nation of spectators to participate in meaningful rituals without feeling like it’s all style and no substance? Turn to the theatrical inspiration of the Twelve Days of Christmas, but remix it for modern lifestyles and entertaining. Here’s some motivation for forging new traditions and creating modern heirlooms for all.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Note cards, pens
• A central place to gather
• Shadow box(es)
• Feathers

A Fresh Twist on the Seventh Day of Christmas

1. Old School Classic Version: Seven swans a-swimmin'; Modern Version: "What is your feather?"
2. This new tradition is inspired by an "Oprah" episode. On it, her resident designer Nate Berkus helped a widow revamp her apartment. He helped her honor her late husband with tender reminders that didn't seem like a shrine. One of those was a framed white feather. Oprah loved the gesture and asked the audience “What is your feather?”
3. A feather's symbolism is perfect for the holidays. Why not remember that "feather in your cap" when you reflect on the year that has passed? Here are some ideas to inspire you:
   
   • Start with a beautiful feather for each family member or friend. You can find feathers at http://www.zuckerfeather.com or http://www.motherplucker.com. With them in hand, pose the question, “What do you consider the feather in your cap to be?” Expect answers like, “My husband. Our relationship is what I’m most proud of.”
   
   • Place the feathers in a shadow box with each person’s written answer under their feather. You can find shadow boxes at http://www.aaronbrothers.com.
   
4. Display the shadow boxes for the holiday season. Break them out next year when you’ll pose the question again. It's a wonderful way to remind us how we make each other's lives better.
5. The bottom line: This tradition is about being thankful for that feather in your cap.

Tips & Warnings

• Chronicle the answers by keeping the previous year’s slips of paper in a scrapbook you can add to with each holiday season.

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