Kid’s Craic: The Twelve Days of Christmas

In most cultures, the Twelve Days of Christmas are celebrated from Christmas Day, December 25^th, to January 6^th, the Feast of the Epiphany, (the day the three kings arrived with gifts for Jesus). We have all heard the Christmas carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas, but do you know what all the verses mean? What do a bunch of hens, geese, maids a milking, and pipers piping have to do with Christmas?

There are different theories on how the song started and what it means. The song was first published in England in 1780. Some believe that the song began as a memory game sung by British children. The object of the game was to remember all the previous verses and then add the new verse. Players unable to remember the verses had to pay a “forfeit” which was usually a piece of candy or a kiss.

Another theory is that this was a song sung by Catholics during a time when being Catholic was a crime, especially in countries like Ireland and England. It is believed that the song has hidden comparisons to teachings of the Catholic church.

Each gift is said to represent a part of the Bible. The “true love” in the song is not an earthly person but is meant to be Jesus. The “me” in the song is meant to be the baptized followers of the church.

This was a way for Catholics to learn about their faith without letting others know since they could not practice in the open. This has never been proven to be true because the verses do not contain any one thing that refers only to Catholic teachings. Either way, it is actually really fascinating!

What is your favorite Christmas song? Do some research on the meaning of the song. You might have the most intriguing conversation at Christmas dinner with family and friends.

I wish you all a Happy Christmas!
Here are the verses of the song, with what is believed they represent:

A Partridge in a Pear Tree = Jesus

Two Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments

Three French Horns = Faith, Hope, and Charity

Four Calling Birds = The gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

Five Golden Rings = First Five Books of the Old Testament

Six Geese-a-Laying = Six days of creation before God’s Day of rest

Seven Swans a Swimming = Seven gifts of the Holy Spirit

Eight Maids-a-Milking = Eight Beatitudes

Nine Ladies Dancing = Nine fruits of the Holy Spirit

Ten Lords-a-Leaping = Ten Commandments

Eleven Pipers Piping = Eleven faithful disciples

Twelve Drummers DruDrumming = Twelve points of belief in the Apostles’ Creed.

Kids in the Kitchen

Crock Pot Candy

This is an easy treat to add to any holiday cookie plate or to give to family, friends, or teachers as a sweet homemade gift!

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, diced
• 16 oz. almond bark
• 12 oz. bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 10 oz. dark chocolate chips
• 10 oz. peanut butter chips
• 3 c. salted, roasted peanuts
• 1 1/2 c. lightly crushed, ridged potato chips
• 1 1/2 c. crushed pretzel twists or skinny sticks
• 1 c. red and green coated candies, such as M&Ms, optional
• 1/4 c. sprinkles, optional

Directions

Place the butter in the base of the slow cooker.

Chop the almond bark into pieces about the size of chocolate chips.

Add the almond bark, semi-sweet, dark, and peanut butter chips. Cover with a lid and cook on high for 30 minutes.

Remove the lid and stir to combine.
Reduce heat to low and cook for another 10 to 20 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until all the chips are melted.
Reduce the slow cooker temperature to hold warm.
Gently stir in the peanuts, potato chips, and pretzels.
Line 3 sheet trays with parchment paper.
Using a spoon, drop mounded scoops (about 1 1/2 tablespoons each) onto the sheet trays, about 1-inch apart from each (the candies will spread and settle a little once dropped).
Gently press 3 to 5 coated candies (M&M’s) into the top of each piece of candy and sprinkle with sprinkles, if desired.
Let rest for 30 to 45 minutes at room temperature, until firm.
Store in a single layer

Literature Corner

The Family Under the Bridge

By Natalie Savage Carlton

Sometimes the holiday season might make you wish you were living carefree and on your own without a family, like Armand. He was living in Paris with no cares and simple pleasures. He did what he needed to keep himself warm and fed.

One day, as he returns to his favorite spot under the bridge, he finds three children, cold and hungry. Before he realizes it, he finds himself doing whatever it takes to care of the small family. The Family under the Bridge is a warm funny, adventure about family, freedom, and Santa Clause. For ages 7-10, 128 pages.

The twelve days of Christmas

By Laurel Long

The talent of Laurel Long brings the song to life with such breathtaking artwork. The verses of the song and the previous gifts are repeated in every illustration, showing striking style and a hidden aspect. Readers will enjoy looking over each page to find each gift. For ages 3-7, 32 pages.

Q. What do Santa’s elves drive?

A. Minivans

Q. Why did the snowman buy a bag of carrots?

A. He wanted to pick his nose!

Happy Christmas
to you!

Nollaig Shona duit (pron: nullig hunna dwit)

See more of Megan’ Kid’s Craic Columns HERE

Megan Lardie

*Megan is a Reading Intervention educator with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. She has a BA from Hiram College and BA+ from Ashland University. She resides in Avon Lake with her husband, Joe, and their five children. She can be reached at [email protected].

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