Maybe it’s because I’m a teacher and my birthday lands on the day before Halloween but the end of the year is always super busy with loaded schedules. Becoming a photographer has only doubled the business of the season but for some reason there is so much joy that comes from the chaos. I only imagine other parents feel the same way… there’s so much preparation and planning going into the holidays for only a few days of celebration yet the joy on your children’s faces when those celebration days hit makes it all worthwhile.


To get some of my creative juices flowing and celebrate this time of preparation, I knew I wanted to put together a little project to countdown the days to Christmas. My vast musical background decided there was no better way to do a countdown than with the Twelve Days of Christmas song! I’m not sure who knows this but as I was doing a little research into the lyrics, I came across a variety of lyrics for each day. Not surprising for a song that was first released in the late 18th century so for our purposes we will be following the Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters version since I’m a sucker for a 1940s tune.

Festive Christmas photo collage featuring holiday scenes with pets, decorations and playful moments.

The goal was to re-imagine each day by setting the scene of the lyrics. Definitely a stretch for some but it was a fun puzzle to master. Through brainstorming various setups for each day, I realized each day should have specific number of something to represent the day… see if you can figure out which items in the pictures correspond to their given day.

Collection of playful Christmas photos with winter decor, pets, and holiday activities.

For an idea that was spurred about a year ago, I’m pretty proud of how it turned out and am even more excited to devise an idea for next year’s countdown. If you’re interested in being featured in next December’s countdown, let me know when I see you on the other side of the lens! Merry Christmas and have a safe and Happy New Year!

You know the tune!

On the...

Christmas portrait with decorative pear balanced on head while seated on blue couch.

1st Day of Christmas...

my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree.

Festive holiday scene with miniature village display and reaching for decorations.

2nd Day of Christmas...

my true love gave to me two turtle doves.

Whimsical holiday photo with French beret, striped shirt and toy baguette.

3rd Day of Christmas...

my true love gave to me three French hens.

Christmas themed photo with ice skates and decorated tree against dark wood backdrop.

4th Day of Christmas...

my true love gave to me four calling birds.

Action shot of hula hooping in buffalo plaid shirt against holiday village display.

5th Day of Christmas...

my true love gave to me five golden rings.

Black Great Dane wearing festive collar posed with frosted trees and ornaments.

6th Day of Christmas...

my true love gave to me six geese a-laying.

Dreamy winter scene with paper boats on blue tulle dress and festive trees.

7th Day of Christmas...

my true love gave to me seven swans a-swimming.

Decorative green built-in shelves display miniature holiday houses and toys with a festive winter scene.

8th Day of Christmas...

my true love gave to me eight maid a-milking.

Christmas ballet scene with decorated tree and red tutu dancer reaching for snowflake decorations.

9th Day of Christmas...

my true love gave to me nine ladies dancing.

Holiday photo featuring green built-in shelves decorated with miniature houses and festive decor.

10th Day of Christmas...

my true love gave to me ten lords a-leaping.

Creative Christmas photo setup with decorated tree and scattered sheet music on wooden floor.

11th Day of Christmas...

my true love gave to me eleven pipers piping.

Holiday themed photo with small decorated trees and collection of red and silver cookware.

12th Day of Christmas...

my true love gave to me twelve drummers drumming.