On this episode of Catholic Women Now, Julie Nelson and Chris McGruder dive into the beautiful and often-misunderstood tradition of the Twelve Days of Christmas—the joyful season that begins on Christmas Day and continues through the Feast of the Epiphany.

The hosts reflect on faith lived out in everyday life, including encouragement, goodness, and visible Christian witness, before walking listeners through each of the twelve days. They explain the biblical and catechetical symbolism behind the classic Christmas song, rooted in Catholic teaching during times of persecution, and connect each day to Church feast days, saints, and key elements of the faith.

Drawing from family traditions shared by Sue Smith, they offer creative and practical ways to celebrate each day—whether with young children, teens, or adult families—through food, prayer, service, music, and fun. This episode is a perfect reminder that Christmas is not just one day, but a season meant to be savored, celebrated, and passed on.

Julie Nelson

Chris McGruder

The Catholic origins of the Twelve Days of Christmas

Biblical and catechetical symbolism behind each day

Feast days and saints within the Christmas Octave

Practical family traditions for celebrating Christmas well

Encouragement, goodness, and living faith publicly

Slowing down to receive Christ during the Christmas season

#CatholicWomenNow #TwelveDaysOfChristmas #CatholicTraditions
#CatholicFamily #ChristmasOctave #Epiphany
#FaithAtHome #LiturgicalYear #CatholicRadio

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More from Iowa Catholic Radio:

• Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio
• Man Up! with Joe Stopulos
• Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson
• The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr
• Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe
• Be Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián Moncada
• Making it Personal with Bishop William Joensen
• Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle
• The Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos
   

Liturgy & Devotions

• The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith
• The Daily Mass from St. Francis of Assisi
• The Daily Mass from St. Pius X
• The Daily Mass from St. Theresa
• Sunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint John

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Iowa Catholic Radio - Connecting People to Christ

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Guest: Jon Leonetti — Catholic speaker, author, and host of Your Catholic Life.

Topic: Discovering holiness through the lives of St. Padre Pio and St. Francis of Assisi.

Themes: Faith in action, simplicity of life, and the modern relevance of the saints.

Takeaway: We are all called to holiness — and the saints show us how to live that call with joy and courage.

For more about John’s work and speaking ministry, visit jonleonetti.com

#CatholicWomenNow #JohnLeonetti #PadrePio #StFrancisOfAssisi #CatholicSaints #Holiness #FaithInAction #CatholicRadio #IowaCatholicRadio #CatholicLife

Listen Live · Program Schedule · Our Stations

LINKS

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Tiktok! More on our website.

If you would like to support Iowa Catholic Radio you can donate Here!

More from Iowa Catholic Radio:

• Sunday Dive with Katie Patrizio
• Man Up! with Joe Stopulos
• Catholic Women Now with Chris Magruder and Julie Nelson
• The Uncommon Good with Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr
• Be Not Afraid with Fr. Fabian Moncada and Fr. Bruce Riebe
• Be Not Afraid en Español con el P. Fabián Moncada
• Making it Personal with Bishop William Joensen
• Faith and Family Finance with Gregory Waddle
• The Great Men of the Bible with Joe Stopulos
   

Liturgy & Devotions

• The Daily Gospel Reflection with Fr. Nick Smith
• The Daily Mass from St. Francis of Assisi
• The Daily Mass from St. Pius X
• The Daily Mass from St. Theresa
• Sunday Mass from the Basilica of Saint John

Want to support your favorite show? Click Here

Iowa Catholic Radio - Connecting People to Christ

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.