Ever wonder where the song, "The 12 Days of Christmas" came from???
I just found out today. Here goes.
From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning, plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.
The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ. Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments. Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love. The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John. The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament. The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation. Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes. Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments. The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples. The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.
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The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments. The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples. The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.
{source}
I have wanted to do the 12 days of Christmas for a friend or neighbor for many years. Unfortunately, I am always horribly over-loaded at Christmas time and seem to miss the date every year. The idea is that you start on either the 13th of December {to end on Christmas Eve} or the 14th of December {to end on Christmas Day}, giving one small gift and some reminder of Christmas to that particular family/neighbor.
A year or two ago I came across an idea for a "musical" 12 days. For the life of me, I can't find it again. If you search for musical 12 days of Christmas all you get are lyrics to the song.
I did however find a couple really fun ideas that will make a great alternative to my musical idea.
Has those darling tags to accompany the gifts suggested. What a great way to put a little more "Christ" in Christmas.
Super cute printables with instructions to deliver one nativity piece each day, or wrap them all, number them, and drop off the whole set one day.
Super cute idea also. You can go to the link, or just check it out below...
On the 1st day of Christmas
Your secret elves bring a surprise,
1 carton of eggnog
For you to drink tonight!!
your secret elves
On the 2nd day of Christmas
We leave outside your door,
2 ornaments for your tree,
Now who could ask for more?!
your secret elves
On the 3rd day of Christmas
We welcome to spread good cheer
With 3 Christmas stories
At this wonderful time of the year!!
your secret elves
On the 4th day of Christmas
We duck below your light,
Leaving 4 cans of soda pop
To make your spirits "Sprite"!
your secret elves
On the 5th day of Christmas
Again we come your way,
This time with 5 popcorn balls
Please won't you let them stay?
your secret elves
On the 6th day of Christmas
Much to your delight,
6 Red and Green balloons,
Oh what a beautiful sight!
your secret elves
On the 7th day of Christmas
We hope we don't get caught,
We know 7 pieces of candy
Might really hit the spot!
your secret elves
On the 8th day of Christmas
We hope they're your favorite kind,
8 yummy donuts
Who could have left them behind?
your secret elves
On the 9th day of Christmas
Oh what a grand surprise
9 pieces of delicious fruit
Sitting right before your eyes!
your secret elves
On the 10th day of Christmas
Our oven has been baking,
Now we leave you 10 cookies
We really had fun making!
your secret elves
On the 11th day of Christmas
We leave a special treat
11 chocolate kisses
Because we think you're neat!
your secret elves
On the 12th day of Christmas
Are the children nestled in bed?
Here are the 12 candy canes
To dance in their heads!
your secret elves
We hope these days of Christmas
Have brought you lots of joy
And made your holiday extra nice
And made you shout "Oh, Boy!"
We sure have had fun sharing
At this special time of year
We want to wish you Merry Christmas
Because you are so dear!!
Merry Christmas!
With love...your secret elves.
Love it!
This is another idea w/tags
Has a cute printable you can purchase for $1.50
LOve that site. I have made many purchases from YouCanMakeThis.com
Need more??? You can get a few more ideas from on Sugardoodle.net
Now, if any of you know of the elusive "Musical 12 Days Of Christmas" I have been looking for, I would love you forever if you could point me in the right direction.
Missed the first day or two??? No problem! Just drop off two a day until you are caught up :0) No one will refuse even the most terrible procrastinator when it means increased Christmas Spirit!
Merry Christmas Everyone!
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