What are the 12 days of Christmas? It’s a festive countdown, a timeless celebration, and a classic holiday song for everyone to belt in the car, going over the hill and through the woods to Grandma’s house. “The Twelve Days of Christmas” is a staple on any successful Christmas playlist, but what you may not know is its rich history and meaning behind the lyrics. The story behind the song can serve as inspiration for festive and beautiful holiday cards to send out this season; offering unique ways to send warm wishes to your loved ones.
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Let’s unpack what the 12 days of Christmas are all about and how you can integrate the song’s lyrics and themes into your upcoming Christmas cards.
But first, while there are 12 days of Christmas, it doesn’t have to take that long to send out your holiday cards this year. Postable makes it easy, seamless, and effortless to address, print, and mail out your warm wishes to family and friends this holiday season. You can explore our Christmas card collection or find inspiration within the examples below.
What are the 12 Days of Christmas?
The 12 days of Christmas is a festive and religious part of winter celebrating the Nativity of Jesus. More specifically, it refers to the 12 days it took the three wise kings to travel and visit newborn baby Jesus in Bethlehem.
Contrary to what you might think, the 12 days of Christmas are not the 12 days leading up to Christmas but the 12 days after Christmas day. Traditionally, communities around the world typically celebrate this time from December 25 to January 6.
How people celebrate differ, but the main theme amongst all is hospitality and merriment.
What is the Song “The Twelve Days of Christmas” About?
It’s a sweet song of love and affection, and a classic Christmas radio song we all can sing at the top of our lungs.
The first record of the song is in the 1780 book, “Mirth Without Mischief: Containing The Twelve Days of Christmas.” In the song, the singer boasts about the gifts they received from their pining “true love” during the 12 days following the birth of Jesus.
As the song goes on, the gifts accumulate resulting in a collection of birds, fruits, music and plenty of inspiration for your Postable Christmas cards this season.
In fact some historians believe that “The Twelve Days of Christmas” maybe “began as a Twelfth Night “memory-and-forfeits” game in which the leader recited a verse, each of the players repeated the verse, the leader added another verse, and so on until one of the players made a mistake, with the player who erred having to pay a penalty, such as a offering up a kiss or a sweet.”
Now let’s review what gifts the singer received from their lover so not only are you prepared to win amongst your family and friends but for inspiration for your upcoming Christmas card designs.
First Day: Partridge in a Pear Tree
Wish everyone you know a fruitful holiday season by sending a Postable Christmas card inspired by the first day of Christmas in the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Because sending a fruitcake nowadays is so overrated.
Second Day: 2 Turtle Doves
Spread peace and love by sending out a Postable card with two turtle doves on the cover. Because nothing says peace and love like two turtle doves.
Third Day: 3 French Hens
Show off your sense of humor by using one of Postable’s customizable photo Christmas cards by inserting a picture of your three hens…that is if you have any.
Fourth day: 4 Calling Birds
Fourthly, use a gorgeously illustrated holiday card with birds in a Christmas tree to convey the fourth day and gift in the classic carole.
Fifth Day: 5 Golden Rings
Green and red are classic holiday colors, but if you’re looking for a card that’s more glamorous, opt for this golden beauty of a Christmas card.
Sixth Day: 6 Geese a-Laying
One goose is just as good as six, especially this Postable card represents the sixth day of Christmas in the song with a simple minimalistic style.
Seventh Day: 7 Swans a-Swimming
In any case, Swans are beautiful. Though Swans are more elegant and timeless as a representation of the beauty of Christmas. Just as the perfect Postable card can be for your Christmas wishes.
Eighth Day: 8 Maids a-Milking
Use your card as a reminder to your loved ones to leave out milk and cookies for Santa Claus this Christmas eve. As long as everyone leaves milk out, no one will be on the naughty list.
Ninth Day: 9 Ladies Dancing
Dancing and prancing cats are sure to inspire holiday cheer. Share the cheer by sending out this Postable card.
Tenth Day: 10 Lords a-Leaping
Lot’s of things come to mind when we think of leaping: ballet leaps, 10 lords a-leaping, and frogs! Take a leap this year by using this adorable card with frogs in love on the cover!
Eleventh Day: 11 Pipers Piping
Okay, so it’s not exactly 11 pipers blowing on their pipes, but Postable has a super cute card with St. Nick smoking a pipe on the front.
Twelfth Day: 12 Drummers Drumming
Lastly, the best way to celebrate the holidays is for Christmas music and carols for all to hear! Let Postable send out an unforgettable card to your loved ones reminding them of just that.
So take a note from the pining lover in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” song and spread your love and joy for your network and the holiday season with Postable holiday cards. 12 days of gifts is impressive, but what’s also impressive is the quality, attention to detail, and convenience Postable guarantees in all of its greeting and holiday cards. Not only can Postable make the holidays easier for you, but we keep the holidays going well beyond 12 days and all year round.
What next? Start by exploring beyond our 12 Postable card recommendations in our inclusive holiday card collections.
