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This unit study includes lessons and printables based on the book Twelve Days of Christmas by Jan Brett.

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me
A partridge in a pear tree

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Three French hens, two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Four calling birds, three French hens
Two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Five gold rings, four calling birds, three French hens
Two turtle doves and a partridge in a pear tree

Thanks to Jamin for writing the lessons for this Twelve Days of Christmas Lapbook.

Meanings of the Twelve Days of Christmas Song

Note: Homeschool Share does not necessarily endorse the view that this song was written with hidden meanings of Christian catechism. Whether or not the song was deliberately composed with Biblical references doesn’t matter. Even if it wasn’t, we can still use it as a tool to help our students learn more about the Word of God and to focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

Day 1: Partridge In A Pear Tree
Christ who died on the Cross for our sins

Day 2: 2 Turtle Doves
Old and New Testaments

Day 3: 3 French Hens
Some sources claim: Three Gifts of the Magi: gold, frankincense, and myrrh
Others sources say: Faith, Hope, and Charity (the theological virtues)

Day 4: 4 Calling Birds
The Four Gospels, Matt, Mark, Luke & John

Day 5: 5 Golden Rings
The first five books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah or the Pentateuch: 1) Genesis 2) Exodus, 3) Leviticus, 4) Numbers, and 5) Deuteronomy.

Day 6: 6 Geese a Laying
The six days of creation

Day 7: 7 Swans a Swimming
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1) prophecy, 2) ministry, 3) teaching, 4) exhortation, 5) giving, 6) leading, and 7) compassion (Romans 12:6-8; cf. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11)

Day 8: 8 Maids a Milking
The eight Beatitudes: 1) Blessed are the poor in spirit, 2) those who mourn, 3) the meek, 4) those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 5) the merciful, 6) the pure in heart, 7) the peacemakers, 8) those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. (Matthew 5:3-10)

Day 9: 9 Ladies Dancing
The nine Fruit of the Spirit: 1) love, 2) joy, 3) peace, 4) patience, 5) kindness, 6) goodness, 7) faithfulness, 8) gentleness, and 9) self-control. (Galatians 5:22)

Day 10: 10 Lords a Leaping
The 10 Commandments

Day 11: 11 Pipers Piping
The eleven Faithful Apostles: 1) Simon Peter, 2) Andrew, 3) James, 4) John, 5) Philip, 6) Bartholomew, 7) Matthew, 8) Thomas, 9) James bar Alphaeus, 10) Simon the Zealot, 11) Judas, son of James. (Luke 6:14-16).

Day 12: 12 Drummers Drumming
The Twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles’ Creed:

  1. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth,
  2. And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord,
  3. Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
  4. Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into hell.
  5. The third day he rose again from the dead;
  6. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
  7. From there he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
  8. I believe in the Holy Spirit,
  9. I believe in the holy catholic church, the communion of saints,
  10. The forgiveness of sins,
  11. The resurrection of the body,
  12. And the life everlasting. Amen.

You can grab a copy of the entire The Twelve Days of Christmas Lapbook in an easy-to-print file at the end of this post.

Twelve Days of Christmas Lapbook Printables

The Twelve Days of Christmas Lapbook includes these printable mini-books:

  • Christ Died for Our Sins Simple Fold Book
  • God’s Word Has Two Parts Circle Book
  • Books of the Bible Flap Book
  • Gifts of the Magi Flap Book
  • Three Theological Virtues Flap Book
  • The Four Gospels Petal Book
  • Five Books of the Torah Scroll Shape Book
  • Six Days of Creation Flag Book
  • Seven Gifts Books
  • Eight Beatitudes Bee Shapes
  • Nine Fruits of the Spirit Accordion Book
  • Ten Commandments Window Book
  • Eleven Faithful Apostles Cards & Pocket
  • Apostle’s Creed Printable
  • Twelve Days of Christmas Layer Book
  • Origins of The Twelve Days of Christmas Song Simple Fold Book

How to Get Started with Your Twelve Days of Christmas Lapbook

Follow these simple instructions to get started with the Twelve Days of Christmas Lapbook:

  1. Buy a copy of the book, Twelve Days of Christmas, or borrow one from your local library.
  2. Print the Twelve Days of Christmas information and lapbook.
  3. Choose the lessons you want to use with your student (a highlighter works great for this).
  4. Choose and prepare the lapbook printables you want to use with your student.
  5. Enjoy learning and singing together!

Get Your Free Twelve Days of Christmas Lapbook

Simply click on the image below to access your free The Twelve Days of Christmas Lapbook.

Twelve Days of Christmas Lapbook

More Christmas Themed Resources

Silver Packages Unit Study
Marta and the Manger Straw Unit Study
An Orange for Frankie Unit Study