12 Days of Christmas and More

(Once again, computers drive me crazy. I had a nice longer post about Christmastime which just disappeared... Anyway:)

Today in Canada, according to our modified Roman Catholic calendar, is the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord, the official last day of the Christmas season. So allow me to say one last time this season: "Merry Christmas" and "Christ is Born. Glorify Him!"

I always enjoy all 12 Days of Christmas from December 25th to January 5th. Traditionally, 12th Night was a particularly special celebration. And following those 12 Days is the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th (which we in Canada move to the Sunday). And of course there's also Orthodox Christmas, for those who follow the old Julian calendar. So either way you look at it, this weekend was Little Christmas and still very much Christmastime.

It is sad to think that many in our society allow commercialism to shape their culture now, forgetting our traditional customs. I'm always sad to see some bare trees thrown out by the curb on Boxing Day (Dec 26), when the Christmas season has just begun. Traditionally in Europe all of January was considered Christmastime finally ending on Candlemas, February 2nd. Candlemas, the Feast of the Presentation, is one of my favourite days and I look forward to celebrating it, celebrating the Light that has come into our world.

And I hope that you will have a blessed 2007.
cpb