The Twelve Days of Christmas facts for kids

Quick facts for kids 12 Days of Christmas
The Adoration of the Magi. Fresco in Lower Church, Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi
Observed by	Christians
Type	Christian
Observances	Varies between countries and cultures
Date	25 December–5/6 January
Related to	Christmas Day, Twelfth Night, Epiphany

The Twelve Days of Christmas are a special festive period. They begin on Christmas Day (December 25th). This time is also known as Christmastide or Twelvetide. The Twelfth Night of Christmas is always on the evening of January 5th. The Twelfth Day can be either before or after the Twelfth Night. This depends on which Christian tradition is followed. The Twelfth Night is followed by the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th. In some traditions, the first day of Epiphany and the twelfth day of Christmas are the same.

Over many years, different Christian groups have changed how they celebrate. They have also changed the exact dates and meanings. For example, St. Stephen's Day (or Boxing Day) is on December 26th in Western Christian churches. It is on December 27th in Eastern Christian churches. December 28th is Childermas, also called the Feast of the Innocents. Today, the twelve days and nights are celebrated in many different ways around the world. Some people give gifts only on Christmas Day. Others give gifts only on Twelfth Night. Some even give gifts on each of the twelve nights. The famous song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is about this tradition of giving gifts.

Important Days During This Time

• Saint Stephen (December 26th)
• Saint John the Apostle (December 27th)
• Holy Innocents' Day (December 28th)
• Epiphany (holiday) (January 6th)

Images for kids

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  Russian icon of the Theophany.

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  Twelfth Night (The King Drinks) by David Teniers (around 1634-1640).

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  Twelfth Night costumers in New Orleans.

In Spanish: Doce días de Navidad para niños