After Christmas Day is Over

Last night at dinner, my family and I were discussing how Christmas was coming to an end.  No more Christmas music on the radio, Christmas trees and decorations in stores and homes have been disposed of or put away, and people are no longer wishing each other a Merry Christmas.

Society puts an end to Christmas as soon as the clock strikes midnight on December 26th.  Throughout the month of December, I recall hearing radio commercials saying, “The Christmas music will be over December 26th.”  However, Christmas does not end on December 25th, nor does it come to an end on the Feast of the Epiphany (sometimes known as “Little Christmas” or the twelfth day of Christmas).  Rather, it ends on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which this year falls on Sunday, January 11.  In older traditions, Christmas didn’t end until February 2nd, which is Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (also known as Candle-mas).  This made the Christmas season a total of 40 days.

After Christmas Day is over, I always look forward to the days between Christmas and the Baptism of the Lord.  I can go to church and see the manger scene—the true meaning of the season.  I can also sing Christmas hymns and carols that are no longer played on the radio.  More importantly, it serves as a reminder to all that the spirit of Christmas lives on in each of us.  We are all called to bring the spirit of Christ (and Christmas) to others.  Today, on the Feast of the Epiphany, we celebrate the Magi bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the Baby Jesus.  While we don’t necessarily have to give physical gifts, we can still bring other types of “gifts” to others every day.  The gift of being a good friend, an ear to listen to, a shoulder to cry on, a source of advice, or a simple hello is all that it takes.  It is our job as Catholics to carry on the spirit of Christmas and the Good News of His birth to others.  Will you continue to spread the Good News?

Merry Christmas!

Chris Hughes