Celebrating the holidays: a reimagined twelve days of joy for everyone

The festive season often brings with it a symphony of cherished traditions, from sparkling decorations to heartwarming carols. For many, these classic songs evoke a strong sense of nostalgia and comfort. Yet, for members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies, some traditional holiday narratives might not always reflect their lived experiences or the rich tapestry of their relationships and chosen families. Imagine a world where every holiday tune truly resonates with your unique journey, celebrating love in all its diverse forms.

This desire for authentic representation during the most wonderful time of the year is more than just a preference; it's a fundamental need for belonging and visibility. While the spirit of giving and togetherness is universal, the specific imagery and language in many traditional carols often lean towards heteronormative or conventional family structures. This can inadvertently leave out those who find joy and family in less conventional, yet equally profound, ways. Recognizing this, a growing movement seeks to adapt and create holiday content that embraces the full spectrum of human identity and affection.

The enduring power of holiday songs and the call for inclusion

For centuries, music has played a central role in holiday celebrations, acting as a powerful vehicle for storytelling, tradition, and collective emotion. Carols, in particular, serve to knit communities together, passing down cultural values and shared narratives through generations. The "Twelve Days of Christmas" is a quintessential example, a cumulative song that delights with its escalating list of gifts, building anticipation and festive cheer.

However, as societies evolve and become more attuned to diverse perspectives, there's a natural and welcome shift in how we approach these age-old traditions. The call for more inclusive holiday expressions isn't about replacing the classics but rather about expanding the repertoire, ensuring that everyone can see themselves reflected in the season's joy. It's about creating new traditions that stand alongside the old, offering parallel narratives that speak to a wider audience. This is where reimagined carols, like a truly inclusive "Twelve Days of Christmas," find their purpose.

Why should the magic of the holidays be limited to one narrative? By creating versions that celebrate LGBTQ+ themes, we not only provide a sense of validation and joy for queer individuals but also enrich the holiday experience for everyone. These new renditions encourage empathy, understanding, and a broader appreciation for the diverse forms that love and family can take. They become anthems of acceptance, proudly echoing the message that all are welcome at the holiday table, in every sense of the word.

Crafting a twelve days of christmas that resonates with queer joy

When approaching a modern, inclusive rendition of "The Twelve Days of Christmas," the focus shifts from literal, sometimes antiquated, gifts to elements that embody the spirit of queer experience, community, and unconditional love. The "gifts" become metaphors for support, identity, shared experiences, and the journey towards acceptance. We imagine tokens of affection that celebrate authenticity, resilience, and the vibrant culture of the LGBTQ+ community.

This process is about more than just changing a few words; it's about infusing the song with new meaning, creating a narrative that speaks directly to the hearts of those who often feel overlooked. It's an act of cultural affirmation, providing a joyous counter-narrative to traditional media that historically lacked LGBTQ+ representation. Through this creative endeavor, the song transforms into an ode to chosen families, the strength found in community, and the simple, profound beauty of being your true self during a time when love and acceptance are paramount.

Consider the themes that naturally emerge: the comfort of supportive friends, the warmth of a chosen family gathering, the pride in one's identity, the shared laughter at community events, and the quiet moments of connection that make the holidays truly special. These are the "gifts" that truly matter, woven into the familiar rhythm of a beloved carol, making it feel both fresh and deeply familiar.

Our reimagined twelve days of inclusive celebration

Join us in singing a version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" that celebrates every hue of the rainbow, affirming love, community, and the unique joy found within the LGBTQ+ experience. These gifts are symbolic of the treasures we find in authentic connection and collective warmth.

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

• A chosen family dinner.

On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

• Two rainbow flags, and a chosen family dinner.

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

• Three supportive friends, two rainbow flags, and a chosen family dinner.

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

• Four acts of allyship, three supportive friends, two rainbow flags, and a chosen family dinner.

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

• Five queer artists, four acts of allyship, three supportive friends, two rainbow flags, and a chosen family dinner.

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

• Six stories shared, five queer artists, four acts of allyship, three supportive friends, two rainbow flags, and a chosen family dinner.

On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

• Seven pride parades, six stories shared, five queer artists, four acts of allyship, three supportive friends, two rainbow flags, and a chosen family dinner.

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

• Eight moments of joy, seven pride parades, six stories shared, five queer artists, four acts of allyship, three supportive friends, two rainbow flags, and a chosen family dinner.

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

• Nine vibrant colors, eight moments of joy, seven pride parades, six stories shared, five queer artists, four acts of allyship, three supportive friends, two rainbow flags, and a chosen family dinner.

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

• Ten years of progress, nine vibrant colors, eight moments of joy, seven pride parades, six stories shared, five queer artists, four acts of allyship, three supportive friends, two rainbow flags, and a chosen family dinner.

On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

• Eleven open hearts, ten years of progress, nine vibrant colors, eight moments of joy, seven pride parades, six stories shared, five queer artists, four acts of allyship, three supportive friends, two rainbow flags, and a chosen family dinner.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

• Twelve months of love, eleven open hearts, ten years of progress, nine vibrant colors, eight moments of joy, seven pride parades, six stories shared, five queer artists, four acts of allyship, three supportive friends, two rainbow flags, and a chosen family dinner.

Why these reimagined lyrics matter for authentic celebration

This reimagined carol is more than just a playful twist on a classic; it's a testament to the power of inclusive storytelling and community building. Each "gift" represents a facet of the LGBTQ+ experience that fosters joy, resilience, and a sense of belonging. The emphasis on "chosen family," for instance, acknowledges the vital support networks that many queer individuals cultivate, often when biological family relationships may be strained or non-existent. These connections are pillars of strength and love, especially during the holidays.

Furthermore, referencing "rainbow flags" and "pride parades" celebrates the visibility and activism that have paved the way for greater acceptance and rights. It's a nod to the shared history and ongoing journey of the community. Highlighting "queer artists" and "stories shared" underscores the importance of cultural contribution and personal narratives in shaping identity and fostering understanding. These are the threads that weave the rich tapestry of queer life, often unseen or unheard in mainstream holiday narratives.

By singing these lyrics, individuals and communities can affirm their identities, share their unique stories, and create new, meaningful traditions. It provides an opportunity to reflect on progress made ("ten years of progress") and the enduring hope for continued acceptance ("eleven open hearts"). Ultimately, the goal is to cultivate "twelve months of love" - a perpetual state of acceptance and affection that extends far beyond the festive season.

Building your own inclusive holiday traditions

Inspired by this spirit of reimagining, consider how you can infuse your own holiday celebrations with greater inclusivity. This might involve:

• Personalizing carols: Don't be afraid to adapt other traditional songs to reflect your family's unique dynamics or values.
• Creating new rituals: Establish holiday traditions that center around your chosen family, community, or personal beliefs, rather than feeling bound by conventional expectations.
• Supporting queer artists and businesses: Choose to buy gifts, music, or decorations from LGBTQ+ creators and entrepreneurs, channeling your holiday spending towards community support.
• Hosting inclusive gatherings: Ensure your holiday parties and get-togethers are welcoming spaces for people of all identities, backgrounds, and relationship structures.
• Sharing your story: Use the holidays as a time to share your experiences with loved ones, fostering greater understanding and connection.

These actions, big or small, contribute to a more expansive and authentic holiday experience for everyone, reinforcing the message that love, in all its forms, is the true gift of the season.

The lasting impact of celebrating diverse voices

In a world that is constantly striving for greater understanding and equity, the creation of inclusive holiday content serves as a powerful reminder of our collective humanity. When we make space for diverse voices in our songs, stories, and traditions, we enrich the cultural landscape for all. It teaches future generations the importance of empathy, respect, and celebrating what makes each person unique and valuable.

The "Twelve Days of Christmas," like many other festive mainstays, is a flexible framework, a canvas upon which new meanings can be painted. Our reimagined version is an invitation to embrace this flexibility, to find joy in shared experiences, and to honor the love that binds us, no matter its form. So, whether you sing along to this version or craft your own, let this holiday season be a vibrant chorus of authentic celebration, where every heart finds its melody and every story is told.