The 12 Days of Christmas Challenge is a unique challenge made by yours truly, to inspire people and let them feel the holiday spirit this season of Yuletide.

12 Days of Christmas, where 1 day corresponds to one challenge.

1. A partridge in a pear tree!

The partridge represents Jesus Christ. God, our true love, gave Jesus Christ to us as a gift.

Challenge:

Do something good for one person you don’t know. Any simple act of kindness or generosity would do. You could let someone go first in a long line, give food or clothing to someone living in the streets, help an elderly cross the road — anything that’s heartwarming.

Be a gift to a stranger.

2. Two turtle doves

Two turtle doves represent the Old and New Testament.

In other stories, turtle doves are small old world doves with a soft purring call, noted for the apparent affection they show to their mates.

Challenge:

A turtle dove definitely symbolizes love and friendship. This Christmas, take some time to create a gift for your special someone. He or she may be your significant other, your best friend, your sibling — anyone that’s dearest to your heart.

Go bake some cookies, make a collage, buy something nice, paint a great view — create a gift that’s from your heart. Then, attach a note with a short message, along with your holiday greetings.

Two turtle doves — you and your special someone.

3. Three French Hens

The three French hens represent faith, hope and charity — the theological values.

Challenge:

Get your phone, and call the three most important women in your life.

Tell your mother you love her. Call your grandmother and say hi! Wish your aunts a fabulous holiday.

Go! Call them.

4. Four calling birds

Four calling birds, four gospels, four Evangelists

Challenge:

Have you ever had teachers who made a huge impact in your life?

Reach out to four of your greatest teachers and write them letters. Or send them messages online. Recall the great lessons they’ve taught you and thank them for making such a huge difference in your life. Also, if you have extra time, send them gifts as well.

5. Five golden rings!

The first five books of the Old Testament — the Pentateuch

Challenge:

Recall the titles of five books that made an impact in your life. The genre doesn’t matter as long as it’s memorable for you.

Take some time away from the screens, and scan through the pages of those books. Reminisce why you loved those books in the first place.

Take this opportunity to have a moment alone with your thoughts.

6. Six Geese a Laying

The six days of creation

Challenge:

Eggs are huge blessings, more so if they’re gold!

List down six blessings you’re thankful for this year. Write them on sticky notes, and have them posted on your wall until New Year. May you be reminded every single day how blessed you are.

‘Tis the season to be grateful after all.

7. Seven Swans a Swimming

Seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, seven sacraments

Challenge:

Pick out 7 Christmas movies that you would want to watch. And go sit on your most comfortable couch with your big shirt and oversized pants with a hot cup of cocoa and play those movies.

At the end of the day, decide what’s your most favorite among the 7 and tell a friend about it.

8. Eight Maids a Milking

Eight beatitudes

Challenge:

Make 8 people smile.

Send them a warm message, give them something, make them laugh with your jokes — just be YOU and make 8 people smile.

And I hope that makes you smile a lot too.

9. Nine ladies dancing

The nine fruits of the Holy Spirit

Challenge:

Open your closet and pick out 9 clothes that you would want to donate.

Wrap them individually in pretty Christmas wrappers and put small notes saying “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays”.

And if you’re free that day, go out and give them to people in the streets.

10. Ten Lords a Leaping

Ten Commandments

Challenge:

Spend 10 hours away from your phone, your emails, work — spend 10 hours with yourself. Write a journal, read a book, do a lot of thinking, learn a recipe, knit, prepare a dessert — have an alone time for 10 hours. You’ll be surprised how 10 hours can cleanse your mind.

11. Eleven pipers piping

Eleven faithful apostles

Challenge:

Choose eleven photos from your phone that made your 2020 memorable. If you have social media, post them on your page and explain why those photos mean so much to you.

If you’re a blogger, then write a blog about those photos. Create a portfolio and share the stories behind those photos.

12. Twelve drummers drumming

The twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle’s Creed

Challenge:

List down 12 Christmas songs that you love. Make a recording for each of the song — go sing your heart out with all that holiday cheer! Then, send these recordings to 12 people that’s dearest to you on Christmas day.

If we can’t do door to door Christmas carols, then let’s do it virtually!