The holiday season is traditionally a time for old classics: roasting chestnuts, singing carols, and watching the same movies we’ve seen a dozen times. But this year, a new tradition is storming the internet, inspired by the undisputed rulers of 2023’s cultural landscape. Move over, Santa—Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are the new faces of holiday cheer.

A viral “12 Days of Christmas Challenge” has emerged, celebrating the whirlwind romance, record-breaking achievements, and heartwarming generosity of the pop superstar and the NFL champion. This isn’t just about ticking boxes on a calendar; it is a lifestyle movement that encourages fans to embody the spirit of boldness, kindness, and fun that defines the “Swelce” phenomenon.

From the secret behind those ubiquitous friendship bracelets to the intense discipline behind the Eras Tour, here is the deep dive into the 12 challenges that are redefining festive spirit.

The Gift of Words and Melody

The countdown begins with a tribute to Taylor Swift’s most celebrated talent: her songwriting. For Day 12, the challenge strips away the commercial noise of the holidays and focuses on the power of words. Swift’s lyrics have long been praised for their poetic vulnerability, a gift she shares freely with the world. The challenge here is simple yet profound: write something from the heart. Whether it’s a handwritten letter, a sentimental text, or a heartfelt social media post, the goal is to articulate your feelings to a community or a loved one. In an era of quick emojis, taking the time to craft a meaningful message is a revolutionary act of connection.

Karma is a Cat (and a Christmas Companion)

For Day 11, the spotlight turns to Taylor’s famous feline obsession. It is no secret that Swift loves her cats—Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button. Benjamin even stole the show during her recent Time “Person of the Year” cover shoot, draped elegantly around her shoulders like a living scarf. Honoring this, the challenge encourages doing something nice for a cat. This could range from adopting a rescue, donating to a shelter, or simply pampering your own pet. And if you’re allergic? You can always blast “Karma” and scream the iconic line, “Karma is a cat purring in my lap cause it loves me!”

The Kelce Christmas Anthem

Day 10 pays homage to the other half of this power dynamic: Travis Kelce. While known for his prowess on the football field, the Chiefs’ tight end recently showcased his vocal chops on “Fairytale of Philadelphia,” a duet with his brother, Jason Kelce. The track, part of the A Philly Special Christmas album, skyrocketed to the top of the charts, with proceeds benefiting local charities. The challenge is to listen to this festive hit, supporting the charitable cause it funds. It’s a reminder that talent can be multifaceted and that brotherly love is a cornerstone of the holiday season.

A Multimillion-Dollar Act of Kindness

Taylor Swift made headlines earlier this year not just for her music, but for her staggering generosity. Reports surfaced that she gifted over $55 million in bonuses to the truckers, dancers, and crew of her Eras Tour. Day 9 channels this spirit of giving. You don’t need millions to participate; the challenge is to perform a simple act of kindness. Whether it’s donating food to a local bank, volunteering your time, or buying coffee for a coworker, the aim is to spread goodwill. Swift’s example proves that success is best enjoyed when shared with the people who help you build it.

Supporting the Creators

In a meta-twist, Day 8 focuses on the digital community. Just as Taylor is the inspiration for countless fan pages and creative content, the challenge asks participants to support the creators they love—subscribing, liking, and engaging with content that brings them joy. It’s a small digital gesture that sustains the ecosystem of fandom.

Festive Baking and “Pumpkin Loaf” Diplomacy

Taylor Swift’s love for baking is legendary among the “Swifties.” She famously arrived at her Time interview carrying a homemade pumpkin loaf—a gesture of warmth and domesticity amidst her global superstardom. Day 7 invites you into the kitchen to bake something festive. It doesn’t matter if you’re a master chef or a novice; the act of creating food is an act of love. If baking fails, sharing a story about a favorite holiday meal with a friend counts just as much.

Nostalgia on the Christmas Tree Farm

Day 6 is a trip down memory lane, set to the tune of Swift’s hit “Christmas Tree Farm.” The song captures the innocence of her childhood growing up on an actual Christmas tree farm in Pennsylvania. The challenge is to listen to the song and reflect on your own holiday memories. It’s an invitation to escape the hustle and bustle and reconnect with the simple magic of the past—the smell of pine, the struggle to fit a too-tall tree in the living room, and the warmth of family.

Taking a “Metal as Hell” Chance

Day 5 is perhaps the most pivotal. It celebrates the moment Travis Kelce decided to “shoot his shot.” After failing to give Taylor a friendship bracelet with his number on it at her concert, he didn’t give up. He boldly recounted the story on his New Heights podcast, effectively “putting her on blast.” Taylor later described this move as “metal as hell,” and it kickstarted their relationship. The challenge? Take a chance. Chase a dream, ask someone out, or start that project you’ve been fearing. As the adage goes, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

Hugs, Compliments, and Fan Love

Taylor’s relationship with her fans is unique; she treats them more like friends than consumers. Day 4 is inspired by a sweet moment where Taylor stopped to acknowledge a young fan in New York City. The challenge is simple: give someone a hug or a genuine compliment. In a world that can often be cold, being the reason someone smiles is a powerful gift.

The Eras Tour Workout Regime

When Taylor Swift revealed her training routine for the Eras Tour, jaws dropped. She ran on a treadmill every day while singing her entire 3-hour setlist—fast for fast songs, slow for ballads. Day 3 honors this commitment to health. The challenge is to do something active: a run, a walk, a dance session, or a sport. It’s about respecting your body and building the stamina to live your life to the fullest, just as Taylor prepped for the performance of a lifetime.

The Importance of Self-Care

Even superstars need a break. Day 2 is a reminder that you cannot pour from an empty cup. To perform at her best, Taylor prioritizes self-care, and so should you. This challenge advocates for treating yourself: read a book, take a long bath, get a massage, or enjoy a dessert. It’s a permission slip to slow down and recharge before the big day.

The Bracelet That Started It All

Finally, Day 1 brings us back to the symbol of the year: the friendship bracelet. What started as a lyric in “You’re on Your Own, Kid” became a global trading phenomenon at concerts and, ultimately, the catalyst for the Swift-Kelce romance. The final challenge is to make a friendship bracelet and give it to someone. It represents connection, creativity, and the idea that a small, handmade token can change the course of destiny.

As we count down to Christmas, this challenge offers more than just activities; it offers a narrative of hope, love, and community. Whether you are a die-hard Swiftie, a football fan, or just someone looking for a little extra spark this December, following in the footsteps of Taylor and Travis might just be the best way to ring in the new year. So, grab your beads, pet a cat, and get ready to take a chance—because if this year has taught us anything, it’s that fairytales can happen when you are ready for them.