Very Merry 1st Day of Christmas!

Merry 1st Day of Christmas!

“The Twelve Days of Christmas” remains one of my favorite carols and I have observed the 12 days of Christmas for as long as I can remember. I enjoy the tradition and I look forward to sharing some reflections each day during the season.

We had the general busy-ness of life keeping us occupied over the past year. Our hearts are still adjusting to the many losses of dear ones and pets over the past couple of years and yet we always manage to bring some new light into our lives, too.

These past few months we added a pair of very young kittens to the household. The little orphans were about 3 weeks old when my husband brought them home at the end of September. We named them Patsy and Rosie after our mothers. They are currently, as I type, trying to destroy the Christmas decorations we put up a few days ago. It makes me laugh to watch their antics!

The unexpected joy these two have brought to my husband and me is amazing. Yes, they’re kind of like toddler tyrants but it is also fun watching them learn how to be in the family.

This season helps me find joy in the promise Baby Jesus brings to everyone – that hope for a future amidst all the crazy in the world.

Our traditions change as new adults and children are welcomed into the family, and as others pass away, move away or choose to stay apart. The constant is our home will be full of the lights and songs of the season through Epiphany on January 6th. Each day I will find something that sparks some joy and give thanks for the people and blessings in our lives.

On to share some background on the Twelve Days….

There is a misconception that the twelve days of Christmas are those days that lead up to December 25. Not true! Today, Christmas Day, is the first day of Christmas! The 12 days go through the Feast of the Epiphany, also known as “Twelfth Day.”

In the olden, golden days, the twelve days of Christmas were a period of joyful prayer and a rest from unnecessary labor. Christmas tree lights would be lit and families would gather around the manger to share prayers and carols.

Why a partridge in a pear tree?

The pear tree signifies the wood of the manger, and also that of the cross. The fruit reminds us of the reason for the Incarnation: God’s desire to saves us from the sin introduced by Adam and Eve consuming the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil. The fruit is also a reminder of the Tree of Life in the midst of the Garden.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.
John 1:14

Merry Christmas,
Karen