On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: eleven pipers piping, ten lords-a-leaping, nine ladies dancing, eight maids-a-milking, seven swans-a-swimming, six geese-a-laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree!

The pipers are the eleven disciples who remained faithful.

Suggested activity is to make cake or cookies with piped frosting. I kind of did this already with my mom for our Christmas cookies. Not that I had any skill whatsoever…

These were decorated by an adult, not a toddler, as you might assume

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: nine ladies dancing, eight maids-a-milking, seven swans-a-swimming, six geese-a-laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree!

The nine ladies symbolize the fruits of the Spirit as listed in Galatians.

Today’s family celebration is to learn a new dance. What’s your favorite dance? What shall I try tonight?

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me: eight maid-a-milking, seven swans-a-swimming, six geese-a-laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree!

Milkmaids, as humble servants, are supposed to represent the Beatitudes listed in Matthew.

To celebrate, they suggest having some favorite dairy treats like ice cream or hot chocolate. I didn’t have either of these on hand, and as the weather outside was “frightful” as the song goes, I celebrated with a glass or two of milk, which I quite enjoyed. 🙂 I snuggled into my futon and read books and watched movies all day. A peaceful and relaxing start to the new year; what more could I ask for? 🙂