You New to Texas? Remember to Celebrate the 12-Days of TexMas
12 Days of Tex-mas: A Texas Twist on a Christmas Classic
As we approach the Christmas season in 2024, there’s nothing better than celebrating the "12 Days of Christmas." Traditionally, the song represents the birth of Jesus Christ and the arrival of the three wise men, the Magi Christianity style. But in Texas, we’ve got our own special way of celebrating, so let’s take a Texas-sized twist on the song with the "12 Days of Tex-mas."
On the First Day of Tex-mas
The good Lord blessed us with one Lone Star, proudly displayed on our Texas Flag. Did you know "Texas" comes from the Caddo Native American word teja, meaning “friends”? That’s what we’re all about, hospitality and pride in our roots.
Two Turtle Doves, Texas Style
In Texas, we’re blessed with two seasons: Summer (scorching hot) and Winter (chilly enough for a jacket). Anything in between is just “Texan weather.”
Three French Hens: A Texan Feast
The three French hens are no match for our three Texas food staples: Chicken Fried Steak, BBQ, and Tex-Mex. No one does it quite like Texas!
Four Calling Birds, Four Presidents
The four calling birds represent the four U.S. Presidents who hailed from Texas: Eisenhower, LBJ, George H. W. Bush, and George W. Bush. But let’s not get into politics.
Five Golden Rings, Texas-Style
In Texas, it’s all about our five neighboring states: Mexico, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. It’s a golden network of neighbors that makes us feel right at home.
Six Geese A Laying, Six Flags Over Texas
Texas has been home to six flags throughout its history. From Spain to France to the Republic of Texas, each flag tells a part of our proud heritage.
Seven Swans A Swimming, 7-Eleven
Born in Dallas in 1928, the iconic 7-Eleven store is a Texas creation. Whether it’s a Slurpee or a snack, we’re proud to call it our own.
Eight Milking Maids, Eight U.S. Interstates
The eight major U.S. Interstates in Texas (from I-10 to I-45) help connect our vast state, giving us access to the beautiful Texas landscape.
Nine Ladies Dancing, Coastal Cities
The nine coastal cities of Texas dance their way into our hearts with stunning views and vibrant culture, from Corpus Christi to Galveston.
Ten Lords A-Leaping, Texas 10 Series
The "Texas 10 Series" is for those who prefer running over leaping. This annual race series takes place in 10 Texas cities and is perfect for those who love a challenge.
Eleven Pipers Piping, Texas Football
The 11 players on a football team represent the Friday Night Lights tradition in Texas. High school football is as big as it gets here, with jerseys worn proudly by every fan and player.
On the Twelfth Day of Tex-mas
The good Lord blessed us with twelve: "Captain America," "Roger the Dodger," and "Captain Comeback." Roger Staubach played for the Dallas Cowboys for eleven seasons and is one of the most honored and beloved players in the history of the team. Coincidentally, Dallas Cowboy quarterback Roger Staubach proudly wore the #12 as you'll see in his team .
On the second day of Texas, the good Lord blessed us with...only Two Weather Seasons, one that's always hot and the other that is just cold. It seems as though it's "Summer, Spring, and Fall" and then, the other season known as Winter.
On the third day of Texas, the good Lord blessed us with...Three Food Groups that consist of Tex-Mex, Barbecue, and Chicken Fried Steaks, and they all taste great.
On the fourth day of Texas, the good Lord blessed us with...Four U.S. Presidents: Eisenhower, LBJ, George Bush Sr, and George W. Bush.
On the fifth day of Texas, the good Lord blessed us with...Five Bordering Neighbors. They happen to be New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Old Mexico.
On the sixth day of Texas, the good Lord blessed us with... Six Flags Over Texas – U.S., Mexico, France, Texas Republic, Confederate States, and the Texas flag. All six flags have flown over the State at one point.
On the seventh day of Texas, the good Lord blessed us with... 7-Eleven – convenience stores founded in Dallas as Tote's Stores and Ice House in 1928. Today these stores are everywhere.
On the eighth day of Texas, the good Lord blessed us with... Eight Major Interstates, all 200 miles or longer. They are US-10, US-20, US-27, US-30, US-35, US-37, US-40, US-45.
On the ninth day of Texas, the good Lord blessed us with... Nine Scenic Coastal Cities - 1) Galveston, 2) South Padre Island, 3) Corpus Christi, 4) Port Aransas, 5) Kemah, 6) Rockport, 7) Port Arthur, 8) Freeport, 9) Port Lavaca.
On the tenth day of Texas, the good Lord blessed us with... The Texas 10 Series. The Texas 10 Series is a running event that takes place from October through February every year in ten Texas cities.
On the eleventh day of Texas, the good Lord blessed us with... Eleven Football Players. From Pee Wee to High School to College to the Dallas Cowboys, the 11 players on each side are Texas royalty.
On the twelfth day of Texas, the good Lord blessed us with... # Twelve, aka "Captain America," "Roger the Dodger," and "Captain Comeback." Roger Staubach played for the Dallas Cowboys for eleven seasons and is one of the most honored and beloved Dallas Cowboys football players of all time.
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Gallery Credit: Katrina Sirotta