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Most everyone is familiar with the 12 Days of Christmas, that popular carol with its partridge in a pear tree, five golden rings, 11 ladies dancing and 12 lords a-leaping.

Here are some ideas for filling out those 12 days, from the birth of our Lord celebrated Dec. 25 to the Magi visiting the Holy Family and paying homage to Christ at Epiphany Jan. 6:

First Day of Christmas — Celebrate Jesus’ birth quietly at home by watching a moving account of Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem, the three Wise Men, treacherous King Herod and shepherds in the field. One option: “The Nativity Story,” 2006, with Keisha Castle-Hughes as Mary and Oscar Isaac as Joseph.

Second Day of Christmas — Drive or walk the neighborhood to gaze at Christmas light displays. Some households are going all-out this year to reflect the light of Christ and safely make the season bright in the midst of a pandemic. Or drive to the nearest city light display and admire the work of community leaders. One to mark this year is “Wintertime in Stillwater,” with all 90 main street buildings, Chestnut Street concourse and the south side of the lift bridge over the St. Croix River lit up with LED lighting. The plaza will include music synchronized to color-changing lights with an open invitation to walk through and enjoy. The bridge and buildings will be lit up through March, with the plaza display converting to red hearts for Valentine’s Day and green shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day.

Third Day of Christmas — Time again to visit the neighbors! Why not strike out caroling? Socially distanced, bundled against the cold, sharing the joy of the season. It’ll be a surprise for those more accustomed to pre-Christmas caroling. Pick hymns that reflect the reality of Christ’s presence, which never fades, such as “Oh Little Town of Bethlehem,” “Joy to the World,” “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” and “The Little Drummer Boy.”

Fourth Day of Christmas — Back in the house, so make a gingerbread house! This family project takes skill in the oven, lots of frosting, little candies and even some architectural savvy. Perhaps display it in the front window for a few days, strung with miniature, blinking lights that seem to wink at passersby.

Fifth Day of Christmas — Don’t forget the Scriptures. Share readings from the beginning of each Gospel. How are they similar? How is John’s Gospel dramatically different from the others? Why? Reference books and open discussion can make this a fascinating look at how the Evangelists share their knowledge of Christ, and some of the length and breadth of his love.

Sixth Day of Christmas — Time to bake some more. Christmas cookies are gone, eaten and enjoyed already! Break out the pans and mixing bowls and make sugar, gingerbread, white chocolate chip and cranberry cookies. Perfect snack before rushing out the door to enjoy whatever weather winter brings. Share with Grandma and Grandpa, neighbors and friends — with a socially distanced drop-off!

Seventh Day of Christmas — Cross-country skis, hiking boots, sleds and toboggans? It all depends on the weather and the inclination, but the only way to enjoy winter is to be out in the cold and snow. Quiet visits also can be paid to area parks, lakes and trails. The swirl of a snowflake or the rustle of a leaf far past fall can bring peace and comfort, joy and gratitude.

Eighth Day of Christmas — An early riser? A late-night browser? Be the one in the household to rustle up some breakfast or set out the late-night snack. It’s simple, easy and a beautiful way to serve the family or friends sharing so much time together. Add a silent prayer or share it with loved ones, asking the Lord for protection and continued strength to do his will in all things.

Ninth Day of Christmas — Service to family, neighbors and people in need are important markers on the road to salvation. In this Christmas season, set a day aside as a family or as an individual to make a difference through the parish, a social service agency or meeting a particular need of someone nearby. Talk and plan the day before setting out; make prayer part of the preparation.

Tenth Day of Christmas — Fun night. Game night. Scrabble, Yahtzee, Monopoly, pool, ping pong, Chutes and Ladders! Pick one and play one. Play two! Set up a tournament, or even a multi-night tournament. Gentle competition can bring people together in special ways. And it’s something to look forward to if the days seem to get long!

Eleventh Day of Christmas — Did we have movie night yet? No!? Well, how about relaxing with a fun holiday film, such as “Elf,” “A Christmas Carol” or “A Christmas Story?” Christmas season classics also include “It’s A Wonderful Life” and “Miracle on 34th Street.”

Twelfth Day of Christmas — It’s over too soon! Celebrate Epiphany with Mass safely in church or safely at home via livestream. Savor the day by re-reading the story in the Gospel of Matthew, not just one more time but several times. How did the Wise Men know to visit Jesus? What did Herod ask of them? Who did they listen to in the end — Herod? Or was there another voice, an interceder? What voice should we listen to when we are given different sets of advice? How can we discern the wisest course of action? Lay worries and needs, gifts and gratitude, at Christ’s manger. And follow God’s light into the New Year.