What are the 12 Days of Christmas, and where did they come from? The 12 Days of Christmas are the 12 days between Christmas Day and Epiphany. The “12 Days” likely had pre-Christian roots, though the term was likely adapted to fit the Church calendar in celebration of the Nativity. Tradition also holds that the Three Kings’ journey to meet the baby Jesus was twelve days. Catholics can continue to keep the spirit of Christmas alive by attending Mass, reading about the Saints who are celebrated dur