The 12 Days of Christmas the start of the Christmas Season...And a Little History behind it...

The twelve days of Christmas is coming up and I have some new plans this year! It is so sad that everyone celebrates the 12 days of Christmas before Christmas. The twelve days of Christmas is celebrated from December 26th- January 6th, which is after December 25th. It is so sad to see everyone get really excited in November and celebrate through December 25 than just stop. Everyone goes onto a New Years Eve mood with parties and than back to normal lives.

The musical origin of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is that of a "catechism song." Between the years 1558 and 1829, those of the Catholic belief in England were not allowed to practice their faith, in public or private

Without regular mass, sacraments, or catechism lessons from the priest, there was little parents could do to help their children learn and remember the Catholicism the 12 days of Christmas was created in order to keep Catholic beliefs alive.

In our home we do a lot during the time of Advent but we do more after Christmas. We are not Catholic but love the meaning behind the 12 days. It's wonderful to hear schools and non believers sing this song loud and clear during the Christmas season. I kind of laugh "and smile to myself inside and know that the song they are singing has Christ filled meanings behind it.

Christmas Eve we prepare the whole house for the big day! We finish cleaning, cooking and setting up. I really want nothing to do on Christmas, sometimes easier said than done.

Oh, I heard that Christmas Eve is the second biggest shopping day of the year now next to black Friday. I sure hope I heard that wrong!!

Here are all the wonderful things we look forward to Christmas Day and the 12 days after.

December 25 Christ is born!! A day in our home that is set aside for our Savior! It is his birthday not ours it's his day not ours, let us give him the gifts of love and peace today Rejoice and praise our great Father in heaven for the best gift anyone could ever receive!

We open new pj's Christmas Eve and stockings Christmas morning. I will miss going to Christmas Worship Christmas Day as our church does not have a service on this day:( Maybe next year, but this year we will just spend quite time as a family with a party for our savior.

December 26 is the feast of St. Stephen—a traditional day for giving leftovers to the poor (as described in the carol "Good King Wenceslas").

December 28, we celebrate the feast of the Holy Innocents, the children murdered by Herod. These were not martyrs like Stephen, who died heroically for Christ. They were not inspired like John to speak the Word of life and understand the mysteries of God. They died unjustly before they had a chance to know or to will, but they all died for Christ! I think this is kind of a important day to remember don't you!

January 6th - finally in our home the day we open gifts a day everyone gets to enjoy! We may even open gifts on New Year's Eve this year since my girls are having a hard time waiting but January 6th is the goal! The celebration of Christmas comes to an end today. The ultimate celebration of Christmas is now behind us. Epiphany is the beginning of the Gospel, Christ is born the Magi have visit a great time to thank our great creator. A perfect time to celebrate with family and friends!

 

Xavier Romero-Frias

Here is my list for The Twelve days of Christmas 2012-

This year we will be keeping the cost of what we buy and do low! I love to give my family a little gift or make a special food, since we are a family of 10 now group gifts seem to work much better!

 

To start-

I found this really cute 12 Days of Christmas Cupcake Kit By Meri Meri I may use these for my Ladies fellowship or maybe our Church fellowship meal. ( I thought the price on this was good)!

 

Day 1 - A Partridge in a pear tree (Pears) - Jesus Christ, the Son of God

Day 2 - Two Turtle Doves (Chocolate that is) for each child - the Old and New Testaments...gifts from God

Day 3 - Three French Hens (Chicken Noodle Soup) - Faith, Hope and Charity sometimes referenced as Faith, Hope and Love...the three gifts of the
"Spirit that abide" (I Corinthians 13). The French hens may also represent
God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Day 4- Four Calling Birds ( Cardinal Beaded Safety Pins) , pencils and post it notes:) - the Four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Day 5 - Five Golden rings (Pineapple Rings ) - first five books of the Old Testament

Day 6 - Six geese a-laying 750 Piece Panoramic Jigsaw Puzzle: Winter Songbirds - Six Days of Creation

Day 7 - Seven swans a-swimming The Twelve Days of Christmas in Wisconsin . This looks like such a cute book! - Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit or is it really 6? Isaiah 11:2 (KJV)

And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord

Day 8 - Eight maids a-milking (Little individual chocolate milks and milk duds) - The Eight Beatitudes

THE EIGHT BEATITUDES OF JESUS

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure of heart,
for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Matthew 5:3-10

Day 9 - Nine ladies dancing (Nine candy cane cookies) - Nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit -Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Day 10 - Ten lords a-leaping (Have the girls write out the Ten Commandments) - The Ten Commandments - Exodus 20:1-26 (KJV)

Day 11 - Eleven pipers piping (Study the names of the 11 faithful apostles)

Day 12 - Twelve drummers drumming (Learn the 12 points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed)

If you are looking for some healthy food ideas check out Beneficial bento, (I don't know much about the author of the blog, but she has some really cute gluten free lunch ideas for kids)

Blessing,

Pamela