THE TWELVE CLUES OF CHRISTMAS
one of our romantic christmas ideas

It 6:00 p.m. on December 14 and Jill is just pulling into her driveway after a long day of Christmas shopping. As she came up to her front door, arms full with bags, she notices a medium sized package sitting on the doorstep. Curious about the box, as she hadn't remembered ordering anything, she hurried inside to set down the bags so she could bring in the mysterious package.

Jill took a seat as she began opening the box which she now saw was not signed. Once the box was open, she revealed a scrolled up paper tied with a ribbon and three puzzle pieces. Jill went ahead and opened the scrolled paper as she figured it would somehow explain the three random pieces. Sure enough, the note explained everything:

Dear Jill,

It brings me great joy to inform you that you have been an awfully good girl this year and WILL be receiving the Christmas gift you've been waiting for. Unfortunately I have been a bit careless and have misplaced it. I have, however, written a clue to help you find it! I will be sending you three pieces to the clue each day for the next twelve days of Christmas so that you may locate your gift. I would of course send you all the pieces now if I could, but as you know I get quite busy this time of year and simply do not have the time. I know you'll understand and I apologize again for the inconvenience. Hoping you find your present and wishing you a very merry Christmas.

Always, Santa

Jill couldn't help but gleam as she read the note, knowing her boyfriend Henry was behind the Christmas scheme. She called him, and saw him many times after the arrival of the first package, but Henry insisted he did not leave the packages and jested that it must be Santa.

Sure enough, each day a new package was on her doorstep with three puzzle pieces, and each day she became that much more anxious to figure out the Christmas clue.

When it was finally Christmas, Jill had completed all but two slots of the puzzle. Despite her efforts, she still could not figure out what the clue meant. Up till now the puzzle read:

If there's _____ I'll surely run, but with the ______nts it's all games and fun, find me and your holidays be jolly because I've got your gift kept in my belly!

Though a little disappointed as no package had arrived and quite antsy about finishing the puzzle, Jill and Henry have plans to meet at her parents house to celebrate the holidays and has to get ready. She meets up with Henry and the couple go to Jill's parents.

After a nice dinner, the family hurried over to the tree to exchange gifts. Jill's mother handed out the presents, and everyone waited patiently. Until, that is, Jill received a gift signed To: Jill From: Santa. Not able to wait, Jill began opening up the present and revealed the two missing pieces. The complete puzzle now read:

If there's a cat I'll surely run, but with the elephants it's all games and fun, find me and your holidays be jolly because I've got your gift kept in my belly!

Jill looked over at Henry who suggests that maybe Santa left the gift here and she should start looking. Now ecstatic, Jill attempts to decipher the clue. After a moments pause, Jill screams "A MOUSE… OOH A COMPUTER MOUSE!" Jill hurries to her parents computer now fully understanding the clue and picks up the mouse. As she did, it made a light jingling noise. She turned it over to remove the ball cover and as she did a diamond ring fell on the desk.

One hand on her mouth and after a light gasp, she turned to find Henry. Henry was already behind her and down on one knee. After a heartfelt speech, Henry asked the fateful question "Jill, will you marry me?" Jill let stream a single tear and said "of course, yes!" Henry slipped the engagement ring on his now fiance's finger and took her into his arms. Safe in his arms, Jill couldn't help but laugh as Santa had indeed brought her exactly what she wanted for Christmas.

What You Need For This Christmas Idea

• Engagement Ring
• Personalized Jigsaw Puzzle (For the highest quality personalized puzzles, jigsaw2order.com is the clear winner. Boasting puzzle sizes from 30 to 1500 pieces, unique shapes, and the ability to create personalized collages, it doesn't matter if you your talking about their wide variety or great customer service, jigsaw2order is a WIN-WIN!)
• 11 boxes and 1 wrapped gift
• Note with ribbon

How To Re-create This Christmas Idea

**Note: It is not necessary to follow all the directions as stated and are only explained as such for ease of use. Alterations to, or inspirations from, any romantic ideas are very welcome and encouraged.

The first steps to this Christmas idea are preparation, lets get started!

1. Purchase a personalized jigsaw puzzle with your secret clue printed on the front. Feel free to use ours or create one that better fits your situation.

2. Copy the note above and fill in your girlfriends name.

3. Once you have everything, put three puzzle pieces and the note inside an unsigned box.

Now is where you really shine, the rest of these steps are where you set your romantic Christmas idea into motion. Phase two... execution!

4. On December 14th, set the package outside her doorstep when she isn't home.

5. You will get a call, when you do... DENY, DENY, DENY!

6. Each subsequent day, when you're sure she isn't home, leave another unmarked package with 3 more puzzle pieces. Except Christmas!

*Note: Make certain she can't figure out the clue until Christmas day by giving the most important pieces last.

7. Wherever you're spending Christmas, go there before she is suppose to arrive and setup the rest of your proposal. Place the wrapped gift ( with the final puzzle pieces) under the tree and address "from Santa." Then, hide the ring where appropriate. *Note: Try and hide the ring in a place where everyone can enjoy the proposal. It really does make for a nicer proposal setting and gives a much cleaner presentation for this Christmas idea.

8. Depending on your arrangements, either go to pick her up or wait for her to arrive.

9. When she finally finds the ring, get down on one knee.

Tips To Personalize This Christmas Idea

• Not ready to pop the question? This story doubles as one of our finest Christmas ideas for gift giving as well!
• Do you already live with your significant other? Try hiding the packages around the house. Using our Christmas idea this way, she'll have just as much fun finding the packages as she will finding her present!
• Got your own romantic plans? Great! Run with it and make your romantic idea a reality.

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