Celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas – One Day at a Time
The 12th Day of Christmas
The 12th Day of Christmas, also the last day of Christmas, is known as the Epiphany or Three Kings Day. Traditionally, gift giving was centered around Epiphany but commercialization of Christmas and a cultural desire to shorten celebrations has changed this to center around Christmas Day. In many European and Slavic countries, children open their presents from ‘Santa Claus’ on Christmas Day, then families and friends open presents to each other on Three Kings’ Day. Three Kings’ Day, or the Epiphany, is a feast day observed by many Christians.
Below is a photo of an parade that takes place throughout Poland on Three Kings’ Day.
The Epiphany is often celebrated by the sharing of a King’s Cake, something also associated with Mardi Gras in the American south and in France. Baked into the cake was a coin, a bean, or a small toy and the person who found the trinket in their slice was named king for the day! Chew carefully!
A New Orleans’ style King Cake. Try the recipe here!
Elsewhere children are encouraged to place their shoes by the door and, if they are sleeping soundly through the night, the Three Wise Men might leave them three small gifts by the morning.
On the 12th Day of Christmas, Chanticleer brings to me…
Twelve Chanticleer Authors Conferences and more to come!
On the 12th Day of Christmas, let’s wrap up our holiday cheer with an exciting opportunity for authors looking to take their writing career to the next level. Join us in 2025 for the Chanticleer Authors Conference (CAC25), happening April 3-6, 2025, in beautiful Bellingham, Washington. This is more than just a conference—it’s a transformative experience for authors of all stages.
What You Can Expect at CAC25
At CAC25, you’ll have the chance to learn from bestselling authors and industry experts. This year, we’re thrilled to feature:
- Brooke Warner, founder and CEO of She Writes Press, a leader in the indie publishing world.
- J.D. Barker, the bestselling author of The Fourth Monkey and Dracul, who will share his insights on writing and marketing in today’s competitive publishing landscape.
- Christine Fairchild, back by popular demand to lead a masterclass on writing craft to take your work to the next level!
With these seasoned professionals guiding you, CAC25 is the perfect place to sharpen your marketing and writing skills and learn from the best.
Key Focus Areas for 2025
- Book-to-Screen: For anyone who’s dreamed of seeing their book on the big screen, our Book-to-Screen sessions are a must. Led by A-list film producers, these sessions offer insights into how authors can break into the film and TV industry, turning their written words into a visual experience.
- The Impact of AI & Language Learning Models: In this ever-evolving digital landscape, understanding how AI and Language Learning Models impact the publishing industry is crucial. Explore how these technologies are shaping the future of writing, publishing, and marketing.
- Audiobooks & Podcasts: The world of audiobooks and podcasts is growing rapidly. Learn how to adapt your book for audio, create compelling podcast content, and leverage these platforms to engage with new audiences.
- Marketing & Promotion: Learn strategies to market your books effectively across multiple channels. From social media to email newsletters, we’ll cover everything you need to know to build your platform and increase your reach.
Celebrating the 2024 Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBAs)
One of the highlights of the Chanticleer Authors Conference is the 2024 Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBAs) Ceremony. All CIBA finalists will be recognized, and the moment we’ve all been waiting for — the announcement of the First Place, Grand Prize, and Overall CIBA Grand Prize Winner — will be a night to remember. This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the hard work and achievements of fellow authors and gain the recognition your book deserves.
Networking and Community Building
Beyond the sessions, the Chanticleer Authors Conference is all about networking. You’ll have the chance to meet and connect with fellow writers, publishers, and industry professionals who share your passion for storytelling. Whether it’s a casual chat over coffee or a formal dinner, these connections can help open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.
Why CAC25 is a Must-Attend Event
Whether you’re a debut author or a seasoned writer, CAC25 is the perfect place to gain fresh insights, learn valuable skills, and grow your author career. The white-glove service we provide means that every attendee will feel valued and supported throughout the event. From the CIBAs to the expert-led sessions, CAC25 offers something for everyone.
Join Us at CAC25!
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and celebrate with fellow authors and industry professionals. Register today for the Chanticleer Authors Conference and take the first step toward a successful 2025!
Thank you for joining us for the 12 Days of Christmas, and good luck in your writing journey for 2025! We’ll see you in April!
Our favorite part about having the 12 Days of Christmas is that we can have the time we need to celebrate with our loved ones. We have time for wrapping presents, meeting with friends for hot cocoa, and continuing to prepare for the Chanticleer Authors Conference and the CIBA Banquet and Ceremony.
Wishing you Happy New Year from Chanticleer! from Kiffer, David, Dena, Scott, Anya, and Argus!
Near and dear to our hearts is Michelle Cox
An expert in world building and continuity, Diane Garland
Our local expert on Book to Screen, Lisa Spicer has worked in television, film, and video production for over 30 years as producer, writer, and editor. Starting in the documentary unit at KCTS/PBS Seattle, later on she worked on the Bill Nye the Science Guy show, earning 3 Emmys. As an independent documentary producer, she has worked in Kenya, Mexico’s Lacandon rainforest, Northern Cheyenne and Lummi Indian reservations, Boulder, Seattle,
The leader of our usual suspects and historian extraordinaire, J. L. Oakley writes historical fiction that spans the mid-19
STRIDER KLUSMAN – Award Winning Author and Host of the 
