Co-Contributor Taylor Southerland
The Twelve Days of Christmas Signs
Keeping in theme with Christmas, I decided to do an article on some easy Christmas signs. You and your family can learn a new sign, in American Sign Language, everyday for the twelve days of Christmas. The pictures for these signs are from babysignlanguage.com. They are so simple and easy to learn. So let’s get to it!
To sign Christmas, make a C handshape, place it in front of your body, and turn towards you moving outward.
To sign Santa, make an open C handshape, start at the chin, move downward in a semi circle pattern.
SLEIGH
To sign sleigh, take your two index fingers, bend them, put your hands out palms up, and move in an outward and slightly downward motion.
To sign reindeer, use an open handshape, start at your temple, and move outward in a semi circle motion.
To sign stocking, point your index fingers palms down, and move your hands in an alternating backward and forward motion.
To sign gift, take your two index fingers and bend them, palms facing each other, and move them outward in a slight curved motion.
I do not have pictures for this one. For this sign, your right hand will be a horizontal closed handshape and your left hand will be in a fist. Use your right hand, slightly tap the left hand, and then move it backward in a horizontal S motion.
This is a two step sign. To sign hot chocolate first sign the word hot. To sign hot, use a claw like handshape, start at the chin, and turn your hand outward. To sign chocolate, make a fist with your left hand and a C handshape with your right hand. Put your right hand on top of your left hand, and make a circular motion with your right hand.
ORNAMENTS
I don’t have a picture for this one either. This is a two step sign as well. To sign ornaments, first pretend as if you are holding a ball, then hold out your left index finger horizontally with your palm towards you, then take your right index finger and hook it vertically onto your left index finger.
To sign jesus, your left hand will be in a vertical closed handshape, your right middle finger will touch your left palm. Then your right hand will be a vertical closed handshape, and your left middle finger will touch your right palm.
To sign angel, you will use a closed handshape with the thumb out, touch your shoulders with your fingertips, and turn your hands outward.
To sign merry Christmas, first you need to sign merry and then you will sign Christmas. To sign merry, your hands will be in an open handshape with the thumbs out, move in a circular motion touching your chest and then move outward again. Then you will sign Christmas.
If you need more of a visual to help you learn, click here for the youtube video. I hope you enjoy learning new signs with your family! Merry Christmas and Happy Signing!!
Coming to you from 258 Terp Time
By yours truly,
Taylor Southerland
Sign Shares inc. | News 