There is always so much excitement in the media and by retailers for the holidays and the Christmas season. This year, Walmart and many other retailers had their Christmas decorations out before their Halloween decorations and Christmas movies were playing on television stations the day after Halloween. The build-up for the holiday season is huge, but it seems that on December 26^th, no one cares anymore-- decorations are put away and stores are ready for Valentine’s Day. But it is only the second day of the true Christmas season.

Those who were Roman Catholic were not able to practice their faith in England from 1558 to 1829, so instead someone created the old Christmas carol we all know, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” This song was then used to hide their true meaning behind the song and teach young Catholics who were learning the catechism, so they could celebrate and worship the Lord without the public knowing their true meaning behind it.

1. A Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, Jesus Christ, the one who was born on Christmas Day to love and save us all.

2. Two Turtle Doves

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me, the Old and New Testaments, so we can read the Word every day, listen to the Lord’s teachings and apply them to our everyday lives.

3. Three French Hens

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me, faith, hope and love.

4. Four Calling Birds

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These are the gospels that begin the New Testament, each speaking of Jesus’ life and resurrection in their own point of views.

5. Five Golden Rings

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. The first five books of the Old Testament where man falls into sin, but is saved by the love of God by sending our Savior, Jesus.

6. Six Geese A-Laying

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, six days of creation of our magnificent world.

7. Seven Swans A-Swimming

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Encouragement, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy.

8. Eight Maids A-Milking

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, the eight beatitudes, signifying Jesus’ famous sermon on Mount Sinai.

9. Nine Ladies Dancing

On the nineth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, the Holy Spirit’s nine fruits: Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Mildness, Fidelity, Modesty and Chastity.

10. Ten Lords A-Leaping

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

11. Eleven Pipers Piping

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, the faithful eleven Apostles: Simon, who is called Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James, Thaddeus and Simon

12. Twelve Drummers Drumming

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, the twelve points of The Apostles’ Creed.

The Twelve Days of Christmas are just beginning, don't forget the Christmas season lasts longer than what is advertised on television.