Four Calling Birds Chicken Wings or Salad with Grilled Chicken
Five Golden Onion Rings with Dipping Sauce
Six Geese-a-Laying Deviled Eggs or Egg Salad
Seven Swan’s a Swimming Bean Dip
Nine Ladies Dancing Fruits of the Holy Spirit Salad
Twelve Drummer’s Drumming Chicken Drumsticks
Eleven Piper’s Pretzel Rod Pipes and/or Chocolate Choir of Angels
I did end up making a few modifications to my planned menu, based on what I was able to find shopping. Here are some pictures of what we came up with:
.: A Partridge in a Pear Tree :.
Partridge in a Pear Tree = 1 Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, on the Cross
When I saw the Partridge in a Pear Tree Pie over at Taste of Home, I knew I had to try making it… It was pretty simple and turned out so cute and delicious. I didn’t have a partridge cookie cutter so I just hand cut a design with a butter knife. I also added some little leaves and cross shapes as well.
.: Two Turtle Doves :.
Two Turtle Doves = 2 Testaments (Old & New)
.: Three French Hens :.
Three French Hens = 3 Gifts of the Magi and/or 3 Virtues, Faith, Hope & Love
I made our Twelfth Night Rum Cake with three Chocolate Coins hidden inside. I had a small gift for each person that found a coin in their slice. (This year it was my husband, Chiquita and Snuggles.)
I also made some Gluten Free Mini Rum Cakes, and used Coconut Sugar for the rum syrup. You couldn’t even tell the difference. (I knew I needed some healthier options for myself or I’d never be able to resist a couple of the treats.
.: Four Calling Birds :.
Four Calling Birds = 4 Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
I planned to pick up four kinds of Chicken Wings/Appetizers for this menu item, but that was the one thing I forget to get at the store. Grilled Chicken on top of Salad, or even bird shaped sandwiches would have worked as well. Our meal was made up of mostly appetizers and desserts, but a chicken main dish could be easily incorporated here too.
Instead, I just ended up pulling our our Church Windows game for the kids to play – tying in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the 4 Gospel Writers.
.: Five Golden Rings :.
Five Golden Rings = 5 Books of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy
Snuggles (by far our pickiest eater) decided to try one of these “Golden Rings” (Onion Rings). After taking a couple bites he asked “What’s inside this?” When nobody gave him a direct answer, just asked if he was going to eat the rest, he said, “No… It tastes odd!” lol Next time I think I might opt for dried apple rings!
.: Six Geese A-Laying :.
Six Geese A-Laying = 6 Days of Creation
Deviled Eggs made a yummy and healthy addition to the party and tied in nicely to the six geese a-laying!
.: Seven Swans A-Swimming :.
Seven Swans A-Swimming = 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Since the seven swans a-swimming represents the seven gifts of the holy spirit, I decided to serve our Pentecost seven layer dip with chips.
.: Eight Maids A-Milking :.
Eight Maid A-Milking = 8 Beatitudes
I already had some eggnog leftover from Christmas.
.: Nine Ladies Dancing :.
Nine Ladies Dancing = 9 Fruits of the Spirit
A simple fruit salad made from nine fresh fruits: Kiwi, Banana, Apple, Pear, Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Red Grapes, Oranges, and Pineapple.
.: Ten Lords A-Leeping :.
Ten Lords A-Leeping = 10 Commandments
.: Eleven Pipers Piping :.
Eleven Pipers Piping = 11 Faithful Apostles
.: Twelve Drummers Drumming :.
Twelve Drummers Drumming = 12 Points of the Apostles Creed
Originally I was going to make Chicken Drumsticks, but when I saw these Chicken Drumellas at Trader Joe’s I thought they would be perfect quick and easy!
.: Picture Books :.
Twelve Days of Christmas Picture Books:
The Twelve Days of Christmas Illustrated by Laurel Long
The Twelve Days of Christmas Illustrated by Jan Brett
The Twelve Days of Christmas: A Christmas Pop-Up Illustrated byJohn Patience
The Twelve Days of Christmas: The Story Behind a Favorite Christmas Song (not pictured)
Epiphany Picture Books Pictured:
The Last Straw by Frederick H. Thury
The Third Gift by Linda Sue Park
Baboushka and the Three Kings by Ruth Robbins
We Three Kings Illustrated by Gennady Spirin
Three Kings Original Gifts of Christmas: Gold Frankincense & Myrrh Deluxe Three Box Set
Wow Jess! Amazing! I bet the family loved it–even if little Bud didn't make it all the way through, lol! Your ideas are so unique and inspirational.
Wonderful celebration Jessica! And thank you so much for sharing, I will have remember that for at Christmas!
Super cute! And the illustrations are amazing!
Super cute! And the illustrations are amazing!
Just lovely! Totally doing this next year 😉
Jessica,
You did it again. This is amazing!! I can hardly wait until next year to try it.
I will be praying for you while Sean is gone.
Angie
Amazing! Looks like so much fun and quite tasty too!
where did you get those beautiful cards by each of your items and your ornaments…
The cards are actually a little set of wooden ornaments from Jesse Tree Treasures. You can find the link in the post, just above "The Menu."
I found my set of ornaments, along with the stand, at a Homeschool Conference a number of years ago second hand for just $10! They are made by Kirkland (Costco).
Thank you for the prayers! They are very much appreciated!
Just curious – do you take down the ornaments in the little trees as well or leave those on until Candlemas? I've got the O Antiphons and 12 Days of Christmas ornaments in a little fake tree with lights and just don't want to take them off – yet! I did take down the Jesse Tree this afternoon, however…. 🙁
Looks yummy and fun! Makes me Hungary 🙂 I would LOVE to find out if this legend is true, perhaps Dear st. Anthony will find us an imprimatured book on it!
I would, too! If you ever DO find something on it, please let us know!
How beautiful! Thank you for sharing this. I am adding this to my Advent/Christmas Links page.
Do you have a favorite between the two "Twelve Days of Christmas" books: Laurel Long
or Jan Brett? Thank you, thank you! I love your blog. May God bless you and your family.
Ooh! They are both great, but I think I prefer the Laurel Long. 🙂
Thanks so much!
This is just so precious ! I am a grandmother now but did all things raising 3 children bringing the religious significance to each event throughout the year. Love our Faith. I now do it for the grandchildren with a little less energy but every bit of love. You will lead a happy life no matter what comes your way. Thank you for sharing and God bless you and your family ❣❣❣❣
Love Love Love all this. Thank you!
There is actually 12 fruits of the Holy Spirit. I cant seem to figure in any research why its often published with the song as 9 fruits (Im thinking it has to do with the timeframe? Im looking to research and understand why) Anyway, it seems amiss and its published in most articles as so but with no explanation as there are 12 fruits and not nine. Seton publishes in their book the same except that (7 sacraments, and 9 Choirs of Angels.)
This is just so precious ! I am a grandmother now but did all things raising 3 children bringing the religious significance to each event throughout the year. Love our Faith. I now do it for the grandchildren with a little less energy but every bit of love. You will lead a happy life no matter what comes your way. Thank you for sharing and God bless you and your family ❣❣❣❣