The Twelve Days of Christmas

For me, hearing the first Christmas carol played over the intercom at the shopping center brings an initial shock of surprise: the holiday season is here. Whether I like it or not, I know I will soon be swept into the throes of excitement and joy. What many call the Spirit of Christmas begins to fill my days.

Whether it’s a bucolic rendition of “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” the lively bounce of “Frosty the Snowman,” or the crooning voice of Bing Crosby singing “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” these songs bring on the nostalgia—an imagined idyllic world of chestnuts roasting, Charles Dickens’ snowy, gas lit streets, frosted windowpanes, and plum pudding. (By the way, when was the last time you had plum or figgy pudding?) Christmas carols also serve two very practical purposes in my life: ushering me through the task of wrapping presents and surviving excruciating stop-and-go Southern California Christmas traffic.

Recently, while teaching, I found myself singing a spontaneous duet with a kindergarten student during afternoon free time in the classroom. He sat at a young person’s table, coloring a Christmas picture, when he suddenly began singing the familiar tune of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Hearing the melody, I couldn’t help but join in! He had a far better memory than I did for which bird came next, and he belted out “five golden rings!” with great confidence and joy.

“The Twelve Days of Christmas” was first published as a carol in England in 1780, though its origins may trace back to France. At first glance, the song seems little more than a playful nursery rhyme—a way to help children learn their numbers. But a much richer story anchors this memorable melody about accumulating gifts.

In 567, at the Council of Tours, church leaders designated the twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany as a holy festival season. These days—set amid the long days of winter—were intended to be a time of joy, worship, and renewal for the whole Christian community. Scripture was taught, worship was emphasized, and children were often given simple gifts to mark the season’s sacred character.

William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night takes place on the evening of January 5, the final day of Christmas, though the play itself does not explicitly reference the religious observance. The Twelve Days conclude on January 5, the eve of Epiphany, when the Church celebrates the arrival of the Magi and the revelation of Christ to the nations.

During Christmastide, the Church’s vestment colors are white and gold, symbolizing Christ’s regency and royalty, as well as divine light, purity, innocence, and joy.

The Episcopal Church observes these twelve days with particular care. The season begins with the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ on December 25 and continues with a series of feast days that tell the story of faith lived out in the world:

• Saint Stephen, Deacon and Martyr (December 26)
• Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist (December 27)
• The Holy Innocents (December 29)
• The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus (January 1)

For those guiding children in faith—parents, grandparents, godparents, teachers, and caregivers—these days offer a meaningful opportunity. They invite us to slow down after Christmas morning and to help children see that the celebration of Jesus’ birth is not a single day, but a season.

One particularly rich resource for this season is the Holy Name of Jesus. Have you spent time reflecting on the many ways Jesus is named and described in scripture? The Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus offers language that invites prayer, wonder, and conversation—especially with children who are learning who Jesus is and how he meets us in the world.

The litany includes these responses:

• Jesus, graciously hear us.
• Have mercy on us.

And it names Christ in many ways, including:

Jesus, Son of the living God
Jesus, brightness of eternal light
Jesus, King of glory
Jesus, sun of justice
Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary
Jesus, most patient
Jesus, meek and humble of heart
Jesus, good Shepherd
Jesus, true light
Jesus, eternal wisdom
Jesus, our way and our life
Jesus, joy of angels
Jesus, teacher of the Evangelists
Jesus, strength of martyrs
Jesus, crown of all saints

This lovely litany brings Jesus fully into our human world so that we may see and worship him more clearly—just as the Magi did. These names of Jesus—shepherd, teacher, refuge, king, and light—travel easily from church into our homes, classrooms, and everyday conversations.

As we walk with children through the Twelve Days of Christmas, may we help them discover that the story of Jesus continues long after the decorations come down. May this season be one of peace, joy, and deepening faith for us all.

Peace and joy.