The Twelve Days of Christmas

“On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree…”  We all know the lyrics to this fun song.  But do we know its origin?  What is the significance of a “partridge in a pear tree” or of “five gold rings”?  There seem to be 2 different theories that are espoused.

The song is a cumulative song, with each verse building upon the previous verse.  The first theory relates the song to a time of religious persecution when Catholics were prohibited from practicing their faith in England.  The twelve days of Christmas are the 12 days between Christmas Day, the birth of Jesus, and the Epiphany, Jan. 6^th.

According to this tenet, the song was written as a type of secret catechism to help Christians learn when it was dangerous to put anything relating to Catholicism in writing.  Each item in the song symbolizes a religious truth as follows:

Partridge in a Pear Tree = Jesus

2 Turtle Doves = Old and New Testaments

3 French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity

4 Calling Birds = The Four Gospels/or the Four Evangelists

5 Golden Rings = The first 5 books of the Old Testament

6 Geese A-Laying = The six days of Creation

7 Swans A-swimming = The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit

8 Maids A-milking = The 8 Beatitudes

9 Ladies Dancing = The nine fruits of the Holy Spirit

10 Lords A-leaping = The Ten Commandments

11 Pipers Piping = The 11 faithful apostles

12 Drummers Drumming = The 12 pts. of doctrine in The Apostles’ Creed

The “true love” in the song refers to God, and “me” refers to all Christians.

Others feel that The Twelve Days of Christmas dates back to the book “Mirth without Mischief”, published in 1780.  In the book they describe The Twelve Days of Christmas as a “memory and forfeits game” played by children of that era.  In that game, the leader recited the first verse, the next child the second and so on until someone missed their verse and had to pay a type of penalty.  According to this explanation, The Twelve Days of Christmas was a part of celebrations called “12^th night parties” that were popular during the Christmas season.

Regardless of the true origin of The Twelve Days of Christmas, it remains a popular song to this day.

The Development of Christmas Traditions

Christmas has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870, but it was not a holiday in early America. Celebrating Christmas, in fact, was outlawed in Boston from 1659 to 1681. This was a result of Puritan ideas and religious reform.

Then in the 19th century things began to change. Previously, Christmas celebrations were akin to Mardi Gras celebrations, very rowdy and riotous. However, Christmas celebration began to change for a number of reasons.

First, Washington Irving wrote The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon. Irving thought that Christmas should be a peaceful, loving holiday that brought people of all social and economic status together. Many believe that Irving’s book actually initiated our current traditions, by implying that things were in reality, celebrated as he portrayed.

About the same time Charles Dickens created the now well-known book, A Christmas Carol. The message he offered stressed the importance of charity, benevolence and compassion towards all.

In addition, families were requiring their children to be a bit less disciplined. Christmas allowed parents the opportunity to concentrate on their childrens’ emotional needs a bit more by providing them with gifts and attention.

As Christmas came to be enjoyed more by families, Americans took pieces of other customs, including decorating trees, sending cards, etc. and an American Christmas was born.

(see www.history.com for more information)
The Development of Christmas Traditions

What Do You Know About The Mysterious Mistletoe?

A holiday tradition which spans generations is kissing under the mistletoe.  A number of mistletoe varieties exist, but the American plant is called Phoradendron Flavescans.

Mistletoe has long been regarded as possessing magical powers, as far back as with the Druids in the first century and early Vikings in the 8^th century.  It has been known for its ability to raise people from the dead, to cure diseases, provide fertility, protect from evil spirits, as an antidote for any poison, and more. Ancient Scandinavians called it the “plant of peace”. Most recently, Suzanne Sommers has highlighted research pointing to mistletoe as a possible cure for breast cancer.

Mistletoe is actually a partial parasite…partial because it is capable of photosynthesis.  But typically, it attaches to trees as a parasite.  It has no ground roots.  Instead it puts a root structure down into its host tree in order to extract nutrients.

But how did we come to kiss under the mistletoe?  The tradition actually stems from more than one source.  According to Norse legend, when Balder was killed his mother wept and her tears fell on mistletoe berries and her son was brought back to life.  To express appreciation, she kissed everyone who walked underneath the mistletoe.  Belief in mistletoe’s aphrodisiac and fertility enhancement abilities may have also added to the kissing tradition.

We seem to have lost one element of the historical tradition of kissing under the mistletoe.  Originally, a berry was supposed to be plucked off of the mistletoe each time someone kissed under it.  When the berries were all gone, the mistletoe could no longer be used.  Perhaps this is because we typically use plastic mistletoe these days!  This isn’t a bad idea since the berries are poisonous.

Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer

Grandma got run over by a reindeer
Walking home from our house Christmas eve.
You can say there’s no such thing as Santa,
But as for me and Grandpa, we believe.

She’d been drinkin’ too much egg nog,
And we’d begged her not to go.
But she’d left her medication,
So she stumbled out the door into the snow.

When they found her Christmas mornin’,
At the scene of the attack.
There were hoof prints on her forehead,
And incriminatin’ Claus marks on her back.

Grandma got run over by a reindeer,
Walkin’ home from our house Christmas eve.
You can say there’s no such thing as Santa,
But as for me and Grandpa, we believe.

Now were all so proud of Grandpa,
He’s been takin’ this so well.
See him in there watchin’ football,
Drinkin’ beer and playin’ cards with cousin Belle.

It’s not Christmas without Grandma.
All the family’s dressed in black.
And we just can’t help but wonder:
Should we open up her gifts or send them back?

Grandma got run over by a reindeer,
Walkin’ home from our house Christmas eve.
You can say there’s no such thing as Santa,
But as for me and Grandpa, we believe.

Now the goose is on the table
And the pudding made of fig.
And a blue and silver candle,
That would just have matched the hair in Grandma’s wig.

I’ve warned all my friends and neighbours.
Better watch out for yourselves.”
They should never give a license,
To a man who drives a sleigh and plays with elves.

Grandma got run over by a reindeer,
Walkin’ home from our house, Christmas eve.
You can say there’s no such thing as Santa,
But as for me and Grandpa, we believe.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree.

On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves
and a partridge in a pear tree.

On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Five golden rings.
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Six geese a-laying,
Five golden rings.
Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves
And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
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.

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
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.

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
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.

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
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.

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
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.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave 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.

Up on the Housetop

Up on the housetop reindeer pause
Out jumps good old Santa Claus
Down thru the chimney with lots of toys
All for the little ones
Christmas joys

Chorus
Ho, ho, ho!
Who wouldn’t go!
Ho, ho, ho!
Who wouldn’t go!
Up on the housetop
Click, click, click
Down thru the chimney with
Good Saint Nick

First comes the stocking
Of little Nell
Oh, dear Santa
Fill it well
Give her a dolly
That laughs and cries
One that will open
And shut her eyes

Repeat Chorus

Next comes the stocking
Of little Will
Oh, just see what
A glorious fill
Here is a hammer
And lots of tacks
Also a ball
And a whip that cracks

Repeat Chorus

Terrific Tree Tips

• Always give Christmas trees a fresh cut before bringing them in the house.  Remove at least an inch from the bottom, and be sure to cut straight across for maximum water retention.

• Drill a small hole in the bottom of the tree to increase water intake.

• Make sure your tree is kept in a reservoir while it is inside.  Check the water daily to make sure that the tree is not drying out.  Lack of water will lead to browning and loss of needles.  If your tree is being kept outside or on a non-heated porch, there is no need for water.

• Allow your tree some time to fall.  Leave it on a porch outside overnight.  This allows the tree to regain its natural shape and shake off any loose needles before you bring it inside.

• Avoid Fire hazards and over drying.  Be sure to keep the tree away from heaters, vents, fireplaces, etc.

• Always recycle your Christmas tree.  It can be used for mulch or wood chips.  Go online to find a tree recycling program near you.

The Christmas Song

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos

Everybody knows a turkey and some
Mistletoe help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Will find it hard to sleep tonight

They know that Santa’s on his way
He’s loaded lots of toys and goodies
On his sleigh
And ev’ry mother’s
Child is gonna spy to see if
Reindeer really know how to fly

And so, I’m offering this
Simple phrase to kids from
One to ninety-two
Altho’ it’s been said many times
Many ways; “Merry Christmas to you”

Do you know your Christmas trees?

Are you stuck in a yuletide rut?  Do a little research and spruce up the holidays with a different type of tree.

Balsam Fir- Balsam Fir trees have short, flat, dark green needles.  They have a very strong fragrance that people associate with the holidays, and are the most common type of Christmas tree.

Frasier Fir – Named for John Fraser, who explored the Appalachians in the late 1700’s, these trees have dark green, flattened needles. They are famous for their good needle retention, cone shape, and dense, strong branches.

Scotch Pine- These trees have stiff branches and long, dark green, rounded needles.  Scotch Pines are less dense and have more room for ornaments. Also, these trees have a long-lasting scent, as long as they receive plenty of water.

Douglas Fir –Douglas Fir trees have more of a bluish color.  The 1” to 1 ½” needles have one of the best aromas among Christmas trees. These trees also have a great pyramid shape.

White Pine – White pine trees have soft, blue-green needles, which they retain throughout the holiday season.  They have a very full appearance and support fewer decorations.  These trees are less scented than most, and are better for people with allergies.

Silver Bells

City sidewalks, busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
In the air
There’s a feeling
of Christmas
Children laughing
People passing
Meeting smile after smile
And on ev’ry street corner you’ll hear

Silver bells, silver bells
It’s Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, hear them sing
Soon it will be Christmas day

Strings of street lights
Even stop lights
Blink a bright red and green
As the shoppers rush
home with their treasures

Hear the snow crunch
See the kids bunch
This is Santa’s big scene
And above all this bustle
You’ll hear
Silver bells, silver bells
It’s Christmas time in the city
Ring-a-ling, hear them sing
Soon it will be Christmas day