A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy Yule to All
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Back in the early 70's when I was all of about 12 I discovered my brother's hidden stash of Playboy magazines (a distinct advantage of being the youngest). Believe it or not after very carefully studying the pictures I really did read the articles. One that stands out in my mind to this day was a parody of "The Twelve Days of Christmas". Through the miracle that is the internet I have found it and will, over the next twelve days, share it with you. As I said, it was first published in Playboy magazine around 1972. I have seen a couple of references that said it had been written by Jean Shepard who wrote the source material for (as well as narrated) the movie "A Christmas Story". He did write quite a lot for Playboy back then but I haven't found any confirmation that he actually wrote this.
An educational note. It is a common misconception that the 12 days of Christmas precede Christmas. They do not. The first day of Christmas is Christmas day. The twelve days lead up to January 6th which is the day the church established as the Epiphany, the observance of the arrival of the Magi in Bethlehem. In fact, at one point it was common to give gifts on that day, not December 25.
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December 25, 1972
My Dearest Darling John: Who ever in the whole wide world would dream of getting a real partridge perched beautifully in a lovely pear tree for Christmas? How can I ever express my pleasure? Thank you a hundred times for thinking of me this way.
My Love Always, Agnes