Our client dreams of bringing the “12 Days of Christmas” to life in a lavish spectacle. As the song suggests:

On the twelfth day of Christmas,
My true love sent to me.
Twelve drummers drumming,
Eleven pipers piping,
Ten lords a-leaping,
Nine ladies dancing,
Eight maids a-milking, 
Seven swans a-swimming,
Six geese a-laying, 
Five golden rings,
Four calling birds,
Three French hens, 
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree!

Excitedly, the client exclaimed, “That’s exactly what I want!”

However, they reminded us that the song traditionally loops, starting with the gift of a partridge in a pear tree on the first day and building up each day. This means the logistics could quickly spiral—yet we’re tasked with sticking to a tight budget and an immovable deadline with Christmas just around the corner.

Team Discussions

Developer: “Is this request for real?”

Manager: “Absolutely. It’s both a grand romantic gesture and a serious proposal.”

Developer: “It sounds pricey. How strict is our budget?”

Manager: “We need to nail it, no overspending.”

Tester: “Given it’s a round song, are we re-gifting the items each day according to the lyrics?”

Manager: “Great point. I’ll clarify with the client.”

Client (via email): “Exactly, the gifts return daily, adding a new one each time. Just ensure the real engagement ring is kept.”

More Client Insights

During further conversations, our client clarified several creative and practical elements:

• Day-to-Day Dynamics: Each day’s gifts are indeed returned, except the engagement ring.
• Simplifying the Spectacle: Fake elements like ballet dancers for swans and symbolic gold rings will keep costs down. Only the birds need to be real, but even the pear tree must be manageable in size.
• Musical Accompaniment: “Little Drummer Boy” will be the backdrop to the drummers and pipers.
• Costuming Not Costing: No need for actual lords or ladies; affordable pantomime costumes will suffice.

Costs Under Control

By the end of our discussions, we realized that the project, while intricate, could be executed within a more reasonable budget than initially feared. We’re now poised to proceed, with just one set of each item, creatively reused throughout the 12 days.

Further Clarifications Needed?

Our journey into this festive proposal has been clarified, but details remain to be polished. Do you have additional questions or insights that could help refine our project plan?

Your thoughts are welcome below!

Let’s make this Christmas one to remember.