Christmas

                                 December is known as the month full of snow, Christmas carols, short days, and Christmas itself. Here are some of the histories behind some of these important days and maybe a few holidays you didn’t even know exist. 

Special December Days

Christmas Days

 

Christmas is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. For two millennia, people around the world have been observing it with traditions and practices that are both religious and secular in nature. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their religion. Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends and, of course, waiting for Santa Claus to arrive.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

1. A partridge in a pear tree - signifying the one and only baby Jesus
2. Two turtle doves – the old and new Testament
3. Three French horns – the three theological virtues (faith, hope, and love)
4. Four calling birds – the four Gospels (Mathew, Mark, Luke, John)
5. Five golden rings – the five books of the old testament (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy)
6. Six geese a-laying – the six days of creation
7. Seven swans a-swimming – the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit
8. Eight maids a-milking – the eight Beatitudes
9. Nine ladies dancing – the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit

10. Ten Lords a-leaping – the ten commandments
11. Eleven pipes a-piping – the eleven faithful apostles
12. Twelve drummers drumming – the twelve points of the Apostles Creed