By Rebecca Even

As an American mom in the late ’90s, I was swept up in the quest for a perfect Christmas—perfect children, cards, meals, decorations, and gifts—all crammed into one day. I thought perfection equaled love.

But by the end of Christmas Day, I was exhausted, overspent, and disappointed. I worried I hadn’t truly taught my children about the birth of our Savior, the King of Kings, the Prince of Peace.

​It’s easy to say, “Keep Christ in Christmas.” But how?

A Jesuit Connection and the Song’s Mystery
In 1999, our parish priest, Father Russ S.J., shared that The 12 Days of Christmas might be a secret code written by a “wily Jesuit” in 17th century Ireland during the Penal Years of Catholic persecution. Intrigued, I researched further.

I discovered crafts and prayers tied to the song, but they felt like more steps toward yet another “perfect” Christmas. That’s when it hit me: instead of adding more, I needed to simplify, start with the song and live it out.

With my family’s help, I wrote Our Father Gave to Us the 12 Days of Christmas.

From Chaos to Transformation
Despite my efforts, I often fell short, exhausted, disappointed, and over budget. But embracing the full 12 days changed everything. If Christmas begins on Jesus’s birthday after Advent, then the celebration should extend beyond one day.

By focusing on God’s gifts—faith, family, gratitude, charity—our family shifted from materialism to the true meaning of the season. Stepping off the Madison Avenue-inspired merry-go-round was a relief.

The Debate Continues
Researching the code theory led to controversy. Father Stockert, who uncovered 17th-century letters in the 1960s, believed the song carried hidden Catholic symbolism. While skeptics like The New York Times and Snopes rejected his claims, I trust Father Stockert’s testimony. Whether proven or not, the idea inspired transformation in my family’s Christmas.

A Gift for Generations
Living all 12 days of Christmas has blessed our family for generations. What began as exhaustion and unmet expectations became an invitation to peace, gratitude, and joy.

The most important thing is not a perfect day, but a perfect Savior—Jesus, the Prince of Peace.