1. A Partridge in a Pear Tree
The Past
The partridge was a symbol for Christ, and the pear tree long associated with the Greek goddess Athena.
The Present
To translate into more secular—and giftable—terms: a union of peace and knowledge perfectly realized in a hand-drawn family tree by artist Elaine Adler. From $2,000; elaineadler.com
2. Turtledoves
The Past
No big mystery here. Doves mate for life and have always been the very picture of love and loyalty.
The Present
The love sonnets of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, a hopeless romantic if ever there was one. Limited edition from Bauman Rare Books, $1,100; 212-751-0011; baumanrarebooks.com
3. French Hens
The Past
A generous avian trio representing hope, love, and charity.
The Present
Charity Navigator is a Web site that lists thousands of charities and their causes, making it easier to pair an organization with the people on your list. All the more reason to make a donation in their name. charitynavigator.org
4. Calling Birds
The Past
Each bird stood for one of the four gospels.
The Present
Okay, we admit some symbols are harder to interpret than others (especially since the original lyric was “four collie birds”), but Vertu’s newest Signature phone comes with its own concierge on speed dial—free for the first year of service. Amen. $12,600; 212-371-8701; vertu.com
5. Golden Rings
The Past
Originally folks sang of five ring-necked pheasants in hopes it would bring them prosperity.
The Present
We prefer the modern lyric, especially since it works so brilliantly with a Bulgari five-ring bracelet. $3,600; 800-285-4274; bulgari.com
6. Geese A-Laying
The Past
The ancients revered geese as protectors. The number corresponded to the Bible’s six days of creation.
The Present
No one did an egg like Fabergé, but Vivian Alexander pays worthy homage with this diamond- and emerald-studded, enameled sterling-silver minaudière. $16,000; 800-898-0803; vivianalexander.com
7. Awans A-swimming
The Past
The swan was considered the bird of kings and queens.
The Present
Buccellati’s candy dish is (I can’t help but say it) fit for royalty—or at the very least, mint-chocolate malt balls. $3,700; 212-308-2900; buccellati.com
8. Maids A-Milking
The Past
Theories differ. Some point to the eight beatitudes, others to the fact that in refrigerator-deprived 15th-century England, dairy products were prized treats; having them in the house meant merriment was soon to follow.
The Present
My favorite cheese course is from Manhattan’s Artisanal Fromagerie, Bistro & Wine Bar, delivered to your door once a month for an entire year. $840 for an annual membership; 877-797-1200; artisanalcheese.com/davidmonncheesecourse
9. Ladies Dancing
The Past
Pagans danced from right to left, a practice forbidden by the church until someone figured out a left-to-right
move that pleased the authorities.
The Present
Sure to get people of all denominations on their feet, Labtonic creates three-hour custom playlists; iPod Touch included. $3,800; 917-375-5191; labtonic.com
10. Lords A-Leaping
The Past
The numerical religious correlation is the Ten Commandments; others say the line refers to a soldier’s leap into war.
The Present
Take it from me, Berluti bespoke shoes have a soul of their own. From $5,700; 212-439-6400; berluti.com
11. Pipers Piping
The Past
On the first Christmas, shepherds reportedly played bagpipes to herald the new arrival.
The Present
I’m not sure what those men were wearing in front of the manger, but I can’t think of a chicer bagpipe uniform than a custom plaid by Peter MacDonald. Price upon request; scottishtartans.co.uk
12. Drummers Drumming
The Past
The sound of percussionists playing came to be associated with protection and safety.
The Present
The TD-20S is a techie’s dream drum set: It holds 100 preset songs and has every bell and whistle an amateur—or anyone who wants to make a lot of noise—could wish for. $7,000; rolandus.com
