“The Twelve Days of Christmas”
Christmas program
At the first part of December in third grade, my teacher began plans and rehearsals for our classroom Christmas program. Students were going to recite poems and sing carols as a group. Artwork was to be proudly displayed on bulletin boards. Parents would attend and smile broadly as their children performed.
The Audition
We had a student teacher that year, and one of the jobs delegated to her was to work with any students interested in singing a solo for the event. When she asked the class if anyone would like a chance to sing, my hand shot up in the air. I enjoyed singing and had no fear of public performance. We were to audition for the opportunity with a Christmas carol in mind.
A few days later, I and three other classmates stood in the teachers’ supply room with our student intern. We were to announce the song we’d chosen and then perform it for each other. I had given my selection some thought. I wanted to sing something others might not choose. No “Rudolph” or “Silent Night” for me. I chose “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” When my fellow students finished their auditions and my turn came, I named my song. The student teacher questioned if I knew all of the verses, which I did. When I finished, she kindly approved. I waited eagerly for the program.
The Whole Thing
My mother attended, as did scores of parents who crammed into our classroom. When it came to my spot in the program, I walked to center stage. I announced my song and started in.
“On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a partridge in a pear tree…”*
I sang the entire song. All twelve verses. My mother told me later that another parent whispered, “Is she going to sing the whole thing?”
I do recall thunderous applause after I finished. I suspect it was more that the carol was over than a response to my singing ability. If I were there as a parent or grandparent, I would need to bite my cheeks to keep from giggling. I laugh thinking about it now.
Christmas Praise
I hope to never lose the joy of singing Christmas songs. I’m not sure I’d choose “The Twelve Days of Christmas” as a solo again. But I heartily join in when I stand in church and sing praise to God for sending His Son to be the Savior of the world. After years of Christmases, most of the verses come to mind without looking at the music. I never grow weary of them. Their lyrics ring out the majesty, power, and love of our God for all of humankind.
I rejoice to sing, “Glory to the newborn King.” He is worthy of our praise.
Psalm 47:6 “Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!”
*Public domain
Photo by Marina Dina on Unsplash