Rachel Evans
The length of time that Catholics leave up their nativity scenes varies and can depend on tradition, family customs, and the liturgical calendar. While some families may take down their nativity scenes after Christmas Day, others may keep them up until the Feast of the Epiphany, which falls on January 6. This day marks the official end of the Christmas celebrations and the revelation of God in human form as Jesus. Some Catholics may even leave their nativity scenes up until Candlemas, or the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, on February 2. This day is marked by Catholics bringing candles to church to be blessed and is considered the last day of the Christmas season.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended time to leave up the Nativity | Until the end of the Church's liturgical season of Christmas |
| Latest time to leave up the Nativity | Until Candlemas on February 2nd |
| Time to take down the Christmas tree | As soon as it starts shedding pine needles |
| Latest time to take down the Christmas tree | January 7th |
| Time to take down Christmas lights | January 6th |
| Time to take down Christmas decorations | December 31st |
| Latest time to take down Christmas decorations | January 5th or 6th |
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What You'll Learn
The nativity scene is left up until the Feast of the Epiphany
The nativity scene is integral to Christmas celebrations for Catholics. The scene is a reminder of the birth of Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem, inviting Catholics to "feel" and "touch" the poverty that God's Son took upon himself in the Incarnation. The nativity scene is traditionally left up until the Feast of the Epiphany, which is celebrated on January 6. This day commemorates the revelation of God in human form in the person of Jesus and marks the arrival of the three kings or wise men in Bethlehem, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh for the infant Jesus.
The Feast of the Epiphany is considered the official end of the Christmas celebrations, and many Catholics choose to keep their nativity scenes up until this day. Some families even involve their children in the celebration by moving the three kings to different areas of the home each day, encouraging them to search for the figures and pray together when they are found. This tradition symbolises the Magi's search for Jesus.
The liturgical season of Christmas, according to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, begins on Christmas Eve and concludes on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. However, there are variations in practice, and some Catholics may choose to keep their nativity scenes up until Candlemas on February 2. This day marks the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, when Catholics bring candles to church for a blessing and then use them at home during prayer.
Ultimately, the decision to leave up the nativity scene until the Feast of the Epiphany or beyond is a personal one, and different Catholic families may have their own unique traditions surrounding this custom.
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The three kings are moved to a different area of the house each day
The Catholic Church celebrates the liturgical season of Christmas, which begins with Christmas Eve vigil Masses and ends with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. The nativity scene is traditionally left up until this feast day, which can fall anytime between early January and February 2nd.
While the nativity scene remains, some Catholic families engage in a unique tradition involving the three kings, also known as the Magi or the wise men. Each day, the three kings are moved to a different area of the house, and children are tasked with searching for them. Upon finding the figures, families gather to pray: "O holy magi, help us to see Christ in this place, and make it holy in all we say and all we do here. Amen."
This tradition is inspired by the Gospel account of the Magi's journey to Bethlehem, where they followed a star to find Jesus, Mary, and Joseph and presented gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. By moving the three kings throughout the house, families symbolically recreate this journey, emphasizing the joy of discovering Christ and bringing him into their homes and lives.
On the Feast of the Epiphany, which falls twelve days after Christmas, the family can bring the three kings to their nativity scene, placing them in adoration of the Infant Jesus. This ritual concludes the Christmas season, marking the official end of the celebrations.
The tradition of moving the three kings daily is a creative way to involve children in the Nativity story, encouraging them to actively participate in the Christmas festivities and develop a deeper understanding of the religious significance of the season.
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The nativity scene is completed on Epiphany
The celebration of Christmas is a joyous time for Catholics, and the Nativity scene is a central part of that. The tradition of the Nativity scene is said to have originated with St. Francis of Assisi in Greccio, Italy, in 1223. He wanted to encourage people to contemplate the poverty that God's Son took upon himself in the Incarnation and to follow him along the path of humility. The Nativity scene is a reminder of that humble birth in a manger, with an ox and a donkey standing by.
The completion of the Nativity scene is often done in stages, with the animals and the manger being set up during Advent. On Christmas Eve, angels, shepherds, Mary, and Joseph are added, and baby Jesus is placed in the manger on Christmas morning. Some parents even add baby Jesus overnight on Christmas Eve as a surprise for their children.
The Feast of the Epiphany, which falls on January 6, marks the official end of the Christmas celebrations for many Catholics. This day commemorates the revelation of God in human form in the person of Jesus and the arrival of the Three Kings or Wise Men, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. To mark this occasion, families bring the figures of the Three Kings to the Nativity scene, placing them in adoration of the Infant Jesus. They may also read the Gospel account of the visit of the Three Wise Men (Matthew 2:1-12) and sing "We Three Kings" as they march through the house.
While some Catholics may take down their Christmas trees and decorations earlier, it is considered auspicious to keep the Nativity scene intact until the Feast of the Epiphany. This tradition is in line with the liturgical season of Christmas, which concludes on the Feast of the Lord's Baptism, or Candlemas, on February 2. Thus, the completion of the Nativity scene on Epiphany marks a significant moment in the Catholic celebration of Christmas, extending the festive cheer and spiritual contemplation beyond December 25.
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The nativity set is mostly empty during Advent
The tradition of the nativity scene dates back to Saint Francis of Assisi in the town of Greccio, Italy, in 1223. Saint Francis wanted to encourage people to connect with Jesus' birth and understand his humble beginnings. Over time, the nativity scene has become a beloved tradition in Catholic and many other Christian homes during the Christmas season.
During Advent, the nativity set remains sparse, reflecting the anticipation and preparation for Christ's arrival. The animals in the scene symbolize the simplicity and humility of Jesus' birth in a stable. This setup also serves as a visual reminder of the Gospel message, inviting viewers to contemplate the joy and wonder of Christ's incarnation.
While the nativity set is mostly empty during Advent, the days leading up to Christmas see the addition of key figures. On Christmas Eve, angels, shepherds, Mary, and Joseph join the scene, completing the picture of Jesus' birth. The baby Jesus figurine is often added last, symbolizing his arrival and the fulfillment of the Advent expectation.
The tradition of gradually adding figures to the nativity scene during Advent helps families actively participate in the Christmas story and create a meaningful connection with the true meaning of Christmas. It also provides an opportunity for reflection and prayer, allowing individuals to meditate on the significance of Christ's birth and his presence in their lives.
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The nativity scene can be left up until the Feast of the Lord's baptism
The nativity scene is a staple of Christmas celebrations, and for Catholics, it holds a special significance. While some people might be eager to take down their decorations as soon as Christmas day is over, Catholics traditionally leave their nativity scenes up for much longer—often until the Feast of the Lord's Baptism.
This tradition is rooted in the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church. The liturgical season of Christmas begins on Christmas Eve with the vigil Masses and concludes with the Feast of the Lord's Baptism. This feast day marks the end of the Christmas season and is considered the official closing of the festivities.
The nativity scene is more than just a decoration for Catholics; it is a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. By leaving it up until the Feast of the Lord's Baptism, Catholics can continue to reflect on the birth of Jesus and the Incarnation of the Son of God. This period also allows them to contemplate the responsibility of all Christians to spread the Gospel and bear glad tidings to the world.
Additionally, the time between Christmas and the Feast of the Lord's Baptism is filled with other significant days in the Catholic calendar. The Feast of the Epiphany, which falls twelve days after Christmas, is a crucial part of the Christmas season. It commemorates the arrival of the Three Kings in Bethlehem and their adoration of the Infant Jesus. Many Catholic families move the figures of the Three Kings closer to the nativity scene on this day, and some even bake a King's Cake with a hidden baby Jesus figure inside.
The Feast of the Lord's Baptism usually falls around February 2, coinciding with Candlemas, or the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. On this day, Catholics bring candles to church to be blessed and later use them during prayer or challenging times as a symbol of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.
So, while the specific traditions and practices may vary among Catholic families, leaving the nativity scene up until the Feast of the Lord's Baptism is a common practice that helps to extend the Christmas celebrations and keep the true meaning of the season alive in their homes.
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Frequently asked questions
Catholics traditionally leave the Nativity up until the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6, or the Feast of the Epiphany on January 7 for those using the Julian calendar. This day marks the revelation of God in human form as Jesus.
On this day, Catholics read the Gospel account of the three wise men (Matthew 2:1-12) and march through the house singing "We Three Kings" while holding the figures of the three kings.
The three kings, or Magi, represent people coming to Christ. They travelled a long and dangerous journey to Bethlehem, where they found Jesus and fell to their knees to worship him.
The octave of Christmas begins on the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and ends on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, on January 1. The liturgical season of Christmas begins on Christmas Eve and ends on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.
Some people believe that leaving Christmas decorations up beyond January 5 or 6 brings bad luck.
