Why It's Still Christmas
Christmastide, explained
Merry Christmas!
It might feel belated, but you’re still well within your rights to use this phrase today — and for the next four days as well!
That’s because Christmas isn’t just one day, but a 12-day liturgical season that begins on December 25th and ends on the eve of January 5th (the “12 Days of Christmas”).
Christmastide is an extended period of celebration that carries rich theological and cultural significance — marking not just the birth of Jesus, but his manifestation to the entire world.
Here’s how the season unfolds…
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The Feast of the Nativity
Christmas Day marks the Feast of the Nativity, which celebrates the Incarnation — when God became flesh, coming to dwell among us in the person of Jesus Christ. Liturgically, the day begins with a Midnight Mass to symbolize the arrival of light in the darkness.
The celebration then continues with masses throughout the day, abundant feasts with family, the singing of carols, nativity scenes, etc. But the one thing that unites all of these popular traditions is the spirit of joy — Christmas, alongside Easter, is one of the most joy-filled days in the entire Christian calendar.
Yet for all this, Christmas Day is just the beginning. There are still 11 more days to continue the celebration…
The 12 Days of Christmas
The 12 Days of Christmas span from December 25th to January 5th, culminating in the celebration known as “12th Night” (for which Shakespeare’s famous comedy of the same name was written).
The period was historically a time for extended feasting, gift-giving, and communal celebrations. Each day held its own significance, often tied to saints’ feast days — for example, St. Stephen’s Day (Dec. 26th), The Feast of Saint John the Apostle (Dec. 27th), the Feast of the Holy Innocents (Dec. 28th), and the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Jan. 1st).
In medieval Europe, these 12 days were marked by revelry and reflection. Lords and peasants alike would partake in feasts, and the Church emphasized acts of almsgiving and charity. The extended season of Christmastide was valued specifically for its length — just one day wasn’t enough to contemplate the significance of Jesus’ nativity.
The 12 Days of Christmas, properly enjoyed, allow you to soak in the full joy of the season. Almost every day gives you something new to celebrate, and there is plenty of time to both give generously to others, and to reflect with gratitude on the meaning of the Incarnation.
Epiphany
January 6th, known as Epiphany, Theophany, or Three Kings’ Day, marks the conclusion of Christmastide and the beginning of the Epiphanytide season. This feast commemorates the visit of the Magi to Bethlehem, the three wise men who brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby Jesus.
But what’s the meaning of it all? As American Bishop Robert Barron puts it:
“The feast of Epiphany gives us the occasion to reflect on a distinction that is much in vogue today between spirituality on the one hand and faith on the other. The Magi represent all that is good and true and beautiful in religious seeking. But they come to the tradition of Israel to find the right focus for their spiritual quest.”
On top of this, the Feast of the Epiphany also commemorates the baptism of Christ and his first miracle at the wedding at Cana (converting water into red wine). In this sense, it is a feast which uniquely highlights the broader theme of divine revelation, and Jesus making himself known to the world.
In many countries, Epiphany is a major celebration. It features music-filled processions, the blessing of homes, and the sharing of special cakes, like the Galette des Rois in France or the Rosca de Reyes in Latin America.
A Season of Light
Much like Allhallowtide’s focus on eternal life, Christmastide centers on light — specifically, the light of Christ that enters into the world to dispel darkness. It’s a season of joy that both inspires gratitude for the Incarnation, and celebrates the anticipation of Christ’s living presence in the world. For as Jesus himself stated:
“As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:5)
While most people rush to move on after December 25th, the Church invites you to linger. The 12 Days of Christmas are a wonderful period of celebration that help you to reflect on, savor, and celebrate the fullness of God’s gift to humanity.
As of the writing of this email, we’ve still got 4 and a bit days of Christmas left — so make sure you enjoy them to the fullest!
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This Saturday, we’re breaking down all 9 levels of Dante’s Paradiso. The finale of The Divine Comedy reveals what Dante’s journey upward is like, who you meet along the way, and what lies at the very heart of Heaven itself…
Art of the Week
In a move out of the Italian painter Caravaggio's playbook, Dutch artist Gerard van Honthorst brings the drama of Christ’s Incarnation to life with expert chiaroscuro — the literally “light-dark” contrast that serves to heighten the intensity of a scene.
When the young Dutch painter traveled to Rome early in his career, he was deeply impacted and influenced by the work of Caravaggio, the king of chiaroscuro. Van Honthorst adapted the technique, but made it his own by incorporating more color than usual — dynamic colors and lighting alike combined for unforgettable religious scenes.
In this painting, Jesus incarnates the words of John 1:9: “The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.” Indeed, it is the light which radiates out from Christ which allows the viewer to see the faces of Mary and the shepherds.
It is a fitting depiction of the birth of the child who would go on to one day proclaim: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Praise God for the blessing of Christ Immanuel celebrated at Christmas. Dwelling longer on the miracle is a great gift to enjoy.
Oh Good Shepherd, feed your sheep. Currently listening to Bach's New Years's Day cantata, in a its glory - Soli Deo Gloria, as Bach wrote at the end of his works. Indeed.