The twelfth day of Christmas is Three Kings Feast.

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Tradition, most often than not, is carried out today without question of why we do it. When I learned about the octave of Christmas as the shortest season in the church calendar, I did wonder about why we sing the merry song Twelve Days of Christmas. Research long ago rendered me a good enough explanation: the days are codes, as the items are. meaning the Partridge in a Pear Tree is none other than our Lord hanging on the Cross. This came about when the Christians, to avoid ire and execution, created signs and signals that rendered non-believers clueless, so they can go on with worship. Talk about how difficult it was being a Christian those days. Gosh, their struggle put us to shame. But that is another story. The twelfth day of Christmas is Epiphany, or the visit of the magi to the Babe Jesus, Being learned men, thus they were even called kings, the magi, non-Jews and non-believers of the coming of the Messiah, they followed a star, found the Holy Child, and adorned Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, all fit to offer a King. Ergo, we have the gift-giving tradition. But if you believe about Kris Kringle, oh, he came much later, down the centuries. These wise men of science and magic started our tradition of sharing. Give gifts today. If you have spent all your money during the holidays, perhaps a little of your time will do for someone who needs you. What is important is to give.