Operation Christmas: 12 Family Missions to Celebrate the Season
Christmas isn’t just about gifts under the tree—it’s about gratitude, joy, and pointing our children back to the greatest gift of all: Jesus.
That’s why I wrote Ethan & Oliver Adventures: Operation Christmas—a children’s book that transforms the classic carol The 12 Days of Christmas into twelve family missions. Each day invites kids to take part in hands-on activities that teach gratitude, peace, generosity, and joy.
Every mission is something simple, fun, and faith-filled that families can do together. It’s a way to slow down, make memories, and point little hearts back to the greatest gift of all—Jesus.
And the best part? You can recreate the missions at home with your own kids. Here’s a look at all 12 days and how your family can join the mission this Christmas.
Day 1: A Partridge in a Pear Tree
Mission: Start a Gratitude Tree. Every family member adds one leaf a day with something they’re thankful for. By Christmas, the tree is full of gratitude.
At Home: Tape poster board on the wall, draw a simple trunk, and cut out leaves from colored paper.
Helpful Supplies: Paper Roll Chart Paper | Bulk Construction Paper | Pre-Cut Leaf Shapes
Day 2: Two Turtle Doves
Mission: Write two letters of peace—one to someone close, and one to someone far away.
At Home: Pull out simple stationery or fold notebook paper and let the kids write (or draw) notes. Pop them in the mailbox together.
Helpful Supplies: Kids’ Stationery Set | Holiday Postage Stamps
Day 3: Three French Hens
Mission: Bake three-ingredient cookies to remember faith, hope, and love—the “big three.”
At Home: Mix 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup sugar, and 1 egg. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes.
Helpful Supplies: Kids’ Baking Set | Cooling Racks | Mixing Bowls
Day 4: Four Calling Birds
Mission: Call four people to spread Christmas cheer.
At Home: Use speakerphone or video call and let the kids shout “Merry Christmas!” or sing a line of their favorite carol.
(No extra supplies needed—just your phone and a willing flock of “calling birds.”)
Day 5: Five Golden Rings
Mission: Make a golden paper chain, adding blessings each day.
At Home: Cut strips of gold, red, or green paper. Write blessings, then loop them together until the chain is long enough to circle the tree.
Helpful Supplies: Gold Metallic Paper | Kids’ Scissors | Tape Runner
Day 6: Six Geese a-Laying
Mission: Share food that brings life. Bake, cook, or deliver goodies to neighbors, then gather for your own Christmas lasagna and Bingo night.
At Home: Make a family recipe (cookies, muffins, or lasagna), deliver a plate to someone, then play a silly game together.
Helpful Supplies: Family Bingo Set | Gift Giving Tin Pans
Day 7: Seven Swans a-Swimming
Mission: Celebrate God’s grace near water.
At Home: Visit a lake, beach, or even a fountain. Talk about how water reminds us of God’s endless grace.
(Bring a notebook for kids to doodle swans or waves as a keepsake.)
Day 8: Eight Maids a-Milking
Mission: Provide milk (or groceries) for families in need.
At Home: Take the kids grocery shopping for milk, bread, and pantry basics. Deliver them to your church or food pantry.
Helpful Supplies: Reusable Grocery Bags | Kids’ Shopping List Pads
Day 9: Nine Ladies Dancing
Mission: Dance with joy as a family.
At Home: Clear the living room, crank up Christmas music, and let everyone take a turn leading the dance.
Helpful Supplies: Mini Disco Ball Light
Day 10: Ten Lords a-Leaping
Mission: Build an obstacle course or leaping game in the yard.
At Home: Use cones, chairs, hula hoops, and ropes to create a mini “training drill.”
Helpful Supplies: Kids’ Obstacle Course Kit | Jump Rope | Hula Hoops | Obstacle Course Dice
Day 11: Eleven Pipers Piping
Mission: Make music together—any way you can.
At Home: Raid the kitchen for pots, pans, and spoons, or use instruments you already have.
Helpful Supplies: Beginner Percussion Kit | Kids’ Keyboard | Recorder Starter Set
Day 12: Twelve Drummers Drumming
Mission: End with a drum parade and remember the steady beat of God’s faithfulness.
At Home: March through the house with your makeshift band, then gather around the tree to add the final leaves and rings.
Helpful Supplies: Toy Drum Set | Wooden Spoons
Why This Matters
Each mission may feel small—cookies baked, letters written, songs sung—but together they tell the bigger story of Christmas: the gift of Jesus, God’s love made real. The activities make space for laughter, but also for gratitude, prayer, and remembering what the season is truly about.
Ready to Begin Operation Christmas?
Operation Christmas is more than a children’s book—it’s a 12-day family mission. With each page, your kids don’t just read about Ethan & Oliver’s adventures; they get to live them.
👉 Order Operation Christmas on Amazon here
This year, give your kids more than presents—give them a tradition.