Because this song dates back to well before its first publication in 1780, it’s accrued quite a history. While researching it, I discovered that the word on is not present at the beginning of each verse in the earliest versions — for example, the first verse just began: “The first day of Christmas” with no on at all. On was added in Austin’s 1909 version, and became very popular thereafter.

Also in the early versions, “my true love sent” me the gifts. However, a 20th-century variant has “my true love gave to me”; this wording has become particularly common in North America. In one 19th-century variant, the gifts came from “my mother” rather than “my true love”.

The gifts associated with the final four days were often reordered. For example, the pipers may be on the ninth day rather than the eleventh. The pipers, however, miss out entirely in this version. So without further ado, let’s see what the Furkids have for their Eleventh Day.

For those new to a Furkids singalong, here’s the drill: press play then, as the music plays, scroll down to the illustrated lyrics and sing along!

Catch-up Links:
First Day
Second Day
Third Day
Fourth Day
Fifth Day
Sixth Day
Seventh Day
Eighth Day
Ninth Day
Tenth Day

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6 COMMENTS

  1. {{{Michelle}}} I see the tiger came down from yesterday’s sugar high. LOL. Thank you again for this – it’s a gift that always brings smiles. Skritches to Ms. Loula. Healing Energy & moar {{{HUGS}}} to you.

    • I think it’s a catnip-induced mellowness!
      Moar ???❤️?Barbara?❤️??? and
      ❤️??scritches to Charlie, Cloud, Freddie, Bobbie, Murf and Rennie??❤️

      • That works, too. LOL. But I was remembering when my sons were little – too much sugar and they were bouncing off the ceiling. For about 45 minutes. Then they’d crash. (Actually back in the day I had students – teenagers – who did the same. Crashed 45 minutes after the ice cream sandwiches they ate for lunch. LOL) But yeah, a bit of nip would do it, too.

  2. The little history items were interesting, too. Still enjoying your version. If that tiger isn’t careful, he’s going to sleep right through the big day.

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