The Twelve Days of Christmas
A Carol for Parents Holding On to Hope
I recently rediscovered the meaning behind The Twelve Days of Christmas and learned that the partridge, often at the center of the song, is the only bird that will fight hard to protect its young. That image touched me deeply. Parents understand this instinct well: the desire to protect, to stay truthful, to love consistently even when the path is hard to see.
The holidays can be a difficult time for parents, and with that spirit, I re-imagined the carol in a new way. I want to share this with you this holiday, offering love, endurance, and hope.
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
a partridge in a pear tree.
A partridge stands watch over its young, shielding them from harm. It is
a reminder of the courage within every parent’s heart.
On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
two turtledoves.
Gentle messages offering a way home by guiding, calming, and reassuring your children.
On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
three French hens.
Symbols of hope, love, and devotion. These gifts will carry them through long nights.
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
four calling birds.
Voices that reach out when we need support, reminding us we’re not alone.
On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
five gold rings.
A golden circle that cannot be broken, an unchanging bond between parent and child.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
six geese a-laying.
A memory of the home you built with care, where love was shown year after year.
On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
seven swans a-swimming.
Swans gliding across uncertain waters, much like the questions and emotions
our children sometimes move through.
On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
eight maids a-milking.
A nod to the difficult and tiring labor of love, trying to guide a child through a challenging time.
On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
nine ladies dancing.
A glimpse of joy that is bright and hopeful. It is a reminder that moments of light can return.
On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
ten lords a-leaping.
The leap of the heart when clarity comes,
or when connection deepens again.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
eleven pipers piping.
The music of your child’s voice reaching out to you and acknowledging that you’ll always be there.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
twelve drummers drumming.
A strong heartbeat of hope. It is assuring you that love has the final word.
Keep fighting for your kids as a partridge in a pear tree would also never stop.
Sending comfort and joy--and hope--to all the parents. ❤️
Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful and hopeful interpretation of the 12 Days of Christmas. I will remember it each time I hear the song. Praying for our children to return and for our hearts to be comforted this Christmas. God bless each one of us as we hold onto Hope.🙏🏻❤️