The 12 Days of Christmas, Version 6
By Charla on Dec 25 Filed In Activities Add a Comment
The holidays are without a doubt known for being a time of tradition. Every family has one or six that must be done every year in order for Christmas to actually feel like Christmas. I have a few friends that insist certain ornaments must be placed next to each other on the tree or the whole thing is off kilter. Others I know, get to open one present on Christmas Eve and it’s always pajamas. And then there are others, who turn on the Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra Christmas tunes and proceed with busting out the flour, sugar and cookie cutters. Things just wouldn’t seem right if Santa couldn’t enjoy some cookies and milk upon his entrance from the chimney. Yes, every family has something.
And then there is my family.
While we do have some of the more “normal” traditions involved with the holidays like baking, decorating and gifting, we do have one tradition that takes traditions to a whole new level. So, here goes. Every year, my mother decides on a “food” theme for our family dinner. (Seems normal, right? Hold tight.) Well, that designated foodie theme then becomes the so called, inspiration, for a family sing-along of the 12 Days of Christmas.
So, it goes something like this. Let’s just say our theme is Mexican food (been there, done this). The torture (as my cousin puts it) begins with drawing a number from Santa’s hat with your part and then finding your place in line. If you know anything about the song, getting a higher number like 12 is money. Mainly because you only have to sing once. Getting number 1 or even 5 (due to the drawn-out singing of that particular number, aka “5 Golden Rings”) can be somewhat torturous. If you have the idea, try this one on for size.
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me….(everyone sings this part)
1 fri-jo-le
On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…(everyone sings this part)
2 chimichangas and 1 fri-jo-le
And it goes on and on and on….my mother mainly being the conductor.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying I don’t appreciate this tradition. It is unique. My mom came up with the idea about 5 years ago. While doing the more sane traditions like cooking, we wrote the lyrics to our first ever 12 Days of Christmas—which just happened to be Italian (think about that one for a minute). In no time, we were rolling with belly laughs at the thought of my family performing our adapted rendition of the famed tune. I have to admit it was pleasurable seeing my cousins, aunts and grandmother wince at the idea or the number that they picked out of the Santa hat and then reading their lines.
As much as they might pretend not to like it, deep, deep, DEEP down, I think they love it. By the end, everyone is laughing, and surprisingly getting into character. Regardless of their pre-show nerves, they know it’s coming. It can’t be avoided.
So, what’s the theme this year….Meats. (Let that one simmer.) I’ll let you know how it goes, post festivus.
If anyone shares in this caroling of fun, be sure to let me know. I would love to hear the lyrics that you and yours create. Don’t be shy….
