Last January, yet another version of Emma was released.  While shopping with a friend, I found the DVD. Although I had not planned on buying it right away, there it was calling my name.  It's a very good version, incidentally.  But the point is that Emma takes a Christmas present over to Harriet in this adaptation.  I was a little surprised, because this doesn't happen in other Ms. Austen movies, or in the books.  So I researched Christmas customs at the time, (mostly Jane Austen's World and the Jane Austen Centre), and found out that in addition to usual customs such as the Yule log, gifts would have been exchanged, usually on the 12th day of Christmas. 

Ever wonder why there is a song about the 12 days of Christmas?  Turns out people did actually celebrate it that way at one time.  Usually, the 12 days were used to party and visit friends and family.  The Christmas party where Mr. Elton proposes to Emma is an example of the parties during this season.  However, I did find a letter by Ms. Austen's favorite niece, Fanny Austen, where she thanks a friend for the purse she sent, showing that presents were exchanged. According to the two sites listed above, all the parties culminated in the twelfth day, which was the day for presents.

Here are some ideas for your 12th day of Christmas:

For significant others of either sex, consider stocking stuffers such as the frankincense or peppermint scented nice and naughty bars or any product from Indigowild.com (all natural ingredients, and the company donates to the Kansas City Sheltie rescue as well as fostering dogs from that organization)

For guys, there are the recycled windshield beer glasses found at uncommon goods.com. Or for the bachelor who needs a hint about the state of his place, there's the fir needle-peppermint scented candle from indigowild.com.

For women, consider flowers from organicbouquet.com or a Maggie bag (made from recycled seatbelts).

I found these on theultimategreenstore.com, but they are likely in your neighborhood eco store (like the one in Winter Park, FL).  I know I'd like one. They're gorgeous.

For the dog, check out planetdog.com toys.  Made from recycled stuff, and some of the proceeds go to the planet dog foundation, which donates to service dog organizations. 

For the person who has everything, donate a future to someone through Heifer International. 

For everyone else, there are the many reusable products on reusit.com, such as this fit & fresh lunch bag with ice pack, or SOHO double walled mug. They also have plenty of reusable gift wrap.

For the kids, better ask someone else.  Really.