12 Days of Christmas

The 12 Days of Christmas is an English cumulative carol whose earliest known version appeared in the 1780 book Mirth Without Mischief, where it was likely a memory-and-forfeits game — each singer had to recall the growing list of gifts or pay a penalty. The familiar melody most people sing today was set by English composer Frederic Austin in 1909, and the twelve days themselves count the festive stretch from Christmas Day to Epiphany.

Our Love to Sing choir leans into the counting fun, so everyone can chase every partridge, turtle dove and gold ring right up to the twelfth day. It's a memory-building favorite for Christmas concerts, classroom music lessons and boisterous singing at home.

Fancy a fresh spin? Try the swinging 12 Days of Christmas Jazz or the upbeat 12 Days of Christmas Remix, and browse more popular Christmas songs.