We’re getting into the holiday season, and we’re having an absolute ball. The kids love to help me get the tree out, find all of the decorations and trimmings and get the house ready. Put it this way — our Christmas tree is usually up the day after Thanksgiving, and I start listening to Christmas songs sometime between October and November. Bing Crosby Christmas album, anyone? I truly love the entire holiday season, and I always try to get more than my money’s worth!
Now, add all of my excitement about the season to our family’s rather odd (but very entertaining) habit of making up new words to songs, and you get some very amusing results. In our never-ending attempt to make Kaitlyn’s type 1 diabetes as commonplace as possible, we decided to make a few type 1 carols to make Kaitlyn giggle. Here’s a prime example — a redo of “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Have the tune in your head? Ok, here we go:
On the twelfth day of Christmas my type 1 gave to me…
Twelve carbs for counting
Eleven nurses calling
Ten lancets pricking
Nine test strips testing
Eight sites for changing
Seven people asking
Six syringes dosing
Five boxes of juice
Four highs corrected
Three trips to the doctor
Two glucose meters
And an insulin prescription just for me
Ok, you have to start at the bottom and work your way up to “twelve carbs for counting,” but hopefully you get the idea. Yes, it’s silly, but it’s also really fun! Diabetes can have some negative associations, and especially at this wonderful time of the year, we’re trying to do our part to lighten the mood and be grateful for all that we have.
Happy holidays, and enjoy making up a few diabetes songs of your own!
About the author: My name is Kim. My daughter Kaitlyn (the third of our five children) was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes just a few years after my nephew James was diagnosed with the same disease. I’m excited to pair up with my sister-in-law, Jen, to share our story with you!
Disclaimer: The experiences and suggestions recounted in these articles are not intended as medical advice, and they are not necessarily the “typical” experiences of families with a child who has type 1 diabetes. These situations are unique to the families depicted. Families should check with their healthcare professionals regarding the treatment of type 1 diabetes and the frequency of blood glucose monitoring. Jen and Kim are real moms of kids with type 1 diabetes and have been compensated for their contributions to this site.
Related topics:
Three Units of Tickle
Finding Joy With Diabetes
Turning Lemons Into Lemonade