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Christmas can be the most wonderful time of the year. But often we become overwhelmed with family gatherings, hurried shopping trips, Christmas programs and parties, and planning for houseguests. Not only does our focus stray from remembering that "Jesus is the reason for the season," but we often forget to make special couple time.

For most of their married years, Bob and Ruthi Neely of Spartanburg, South Carolina, have tried to find creative ways to say "I love you" to each other. They realized Christmas was one of those times that needed more couple time.

Several years ago, for every day of the 12 days of Christmas, Bob did something special for Ruthi. Sometimes it was just a silly little present, sometimes it was a lasting token of love, always there was a note that conveyed the message of the day: "You are special. I love you at Christmas and all year long."

Here's what Bob did:

Ruthi's favorite place to go was the beach. So when she opened the door to the bathroom on the morning of the first day of Christmas, she was greeted by a room transformed into a beach (they have a large bathroom!). Bob had set up a beach umbrella, sand chairs, spread out beach towels, a few beach balls, and even a little sand. In her chair was a new book to read and her drink holder was complete with her favorite beverage.

Honey, Life with you is like a day at  the beach—wonderful in every way.

Two gold earrings made the second day special.

Our love is more precious than gold.

Ruthi found three magazines tied with a bow at her place at the table.

Take a moment to relax and enjoy these.

In the "12 Days" song, the gift is four calling birds. For Ruthi's fourth day of Christmas, she received four unusual telephone calls to wish her a happy day: one from Robin, one from Wren, one from Mrs. Parrott, and one from Miss Crow. She had her own personal calling "birds."

I am so thankful to be able to call you my wife.

Five golden rings were replaced by five Butterfingers, Ruthi's favorite candy bar.

Five Butterfingers, one for each day, each with a message, "I love you today!"

Bob and Ruthi have six children. So for the sixth day of Christmas, Ruthi received a new photo of each child to display on their family wall.

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