In the Middle Ages, religious holidays were practically the only holidays, so lord and peasant alike tired to extend such happy times for as long as possible. Christmas became not one day of celebration, but 12, extending from Christmas Day to the Epiphany, when the Wise Men arrived with their gifts (thereby initiating the custom of giving presents at Christmas). In the castles of the wealthy, a gift on each of the 12 days was not unusual. Hence the appeal of "The Twelve Days of Christmas," since even those who couldn't afford to give the gifts could at least sing about them. The carol is very old, probably dating back to the 16th century, when such counting songs were very much in vogue.
"O Holy Night (The Christmas Song)" by Standard
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