Michael Brooks
There are several different views on when Catholics stop celebrating Christmas. The Church regards Christmas as an octave, an eight-day celebration that begins on the feast of the Nativity of the Lord and ends on the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, on January 1st. The twelve days of Christmas, which are likely an adaptation of pre-Christian winter festivals, end on the Feast of the Epiphany, which marks the revelation that Jesus was the Son of God. In the Eastern rites of the Catholic Church, Epiphany, or Theophany, is celebrated on January 6th, but in the US, it is observed on the second Sunday after Christmas. Some Catholics extend their celebrations until Candlemas on February 2nd, which marks the end of the Christmas cycle, while others consider the liturgical season of Christmas to end with the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Christmas celebration | 8 days, 12 days, or until Candlemas |
| Christmas Day | 25th of December |
| Christmas Eve | 24th of December |
| Christmas Octave | Begins on the Feast of the Nativity of the Lord and ends on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God |
| Feast of the Epiphany | 6th of January |
| Candlemas | 2nd of February |
| Christmas Tree | Taken down on New Year's Day or when it starts shedding needles |
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The Christmas octave
The exact date to end the Christmas season is a personal choice, based on traditions and customs. Some Catholics consider Candlemas, or the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, on February 2nd, as the last day of the Christmas season.
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Epiphany
The Feast of the Epiphany, also known as Theophany in the Eastern rites of the Catholic Church, marks the end of the Christmas season for many Catholics. Epiphany is celebrated on January 6, twelve days after Christmas, and commemorates the day the Magi encountered Jesus, Mary, and Joseph and offered Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This celebration also marks the revelation that Jesus was the Son of God.
In the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church, the Epiphany is a significant feast day that celebrates the manifestation of Jesus' divinity. In the Eastern rites, Theophany commemorates Jesus' baptism in the River Jordan, where his divinity was revealed. While the traditional date for the feast is January 6, some Catholic churches, particularly in the United States, move the celebration of Epiphany to the second Sunday after Christmas, falling between January 2 and January 8.
The twelve days of Christmas, including the Octave of Christmas, are considered a liturgical celebration, during which clergy wear white, except on St. Stephen's Day and the Feast of the Holy Innocents, when they wear red. The Octave of Christmas begins on the Feast of the Nativity of the Lord and ends on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, on New Year's Day.
Some Catholics extend their Christmas celebrations beyond Epiphany, with some traditions pointing to Candlemas on February 2 as the official end of the Christmas season. Candlemas, also known as the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, is observed with Christmas-like festivities in various countries, including Peru, Puerto Rico, France, and Belgium. On this day, Catholics bring candles to church to be blessed and later used during prayer or challenging times as a symbol of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.
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Candlemas
The Feast of the Presentation or Purification is one of the oldest feasts of the Church. It commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the Temple of Jerusalem by Mary and Joseph, forty days after His birth. According to the Torah, when a woman bore a male child, she was considered "unclean" for seven days. On the eighth day, the boy was circumcised, and the mother continued to stay at home for 33 days for her blood to be purified. After 40 days, Mary and Joseph came to the temple for the rite of purification, which included the offering of sacrifices.
The tradition of blessing candles on Candlemas dates back to at least the 7th century. The term "Candlemas" is derived from "candela", meaning candle. The festival is also known as the "'Festival of Light', honouring the light that dispels evil, death, and darkness, and assures prosperity.
In addition to its religious significance, Candlemas also holds importance for farmers. It marks the beginning of the "farmer's year", and various proverbs and weather predictions are associated with this day. For instance, clear skies on Candlemas foretell a beneficial year for beekeepers, while a sunny Candlemas Day indicates that winter will persist.
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The Baptism of the Lord
The Catholic Church celebrates the liturgical season of Christmas until the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which marks the end of Christmas and the beginning of Ordinary Time. This feast day commemorates the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist.
In the Western Church, the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord was established as a separate feast day from Epiphany by Pope Pius XII in 1955. The current practice is to celebrate it on the first Sunday following Epiphany, which falls on January 6. However, if Epiphany is observed on January 7 or 8, then the Baptism of the Lord is celebrated on the following Monday. In some Lutheran churches, it is celebrated on the Sunday before Lent, or Quinquagesima.
The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is a significant day for Catholics as it symbolizes leaving the "stable of Bethlehem" and beginning the mission of witnessing to Christ day after day. It is a reminder of our commitment to follow in Christ's footsteps and share the experience of life with others, especially those who are marginalized. Through baptism, we are reborn in Christ as new creatures, filled with the Holy Spirit.
The liturgical season of Christmas, therefore, concludes with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, marking the end of the Christmas celebrations and the start of Ordinary Time in the Catholic Church.
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Christmas decorations
The Christmas season is a joyous time for Catholics, and decorating their homes and churches is a significant part of their celebrations. While there are no set rules for when to put up Christmas decorations, Catholics traditionally avoid displaying them before Christmas Eve, choosing instead to focus on Advent. Some Catholics put up their decorations on Black Friday or the day after Thanksgiving, while others wait until Christmas Eve to bring out the Christmas tree and apple cider.
When it comes to taking down Christmas decorations, opinions vary. Some Catholics remove their decorations on New Year's Day or Epiphany, which is celebrated on January 6 in the Eastern rites of the Catholic Church and on the second Sunday after Christmas in the United States. For others, the Christmas season ends with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, or Candlemas, on February 2, which marks the official close of the Christmas season.
With the timing of Christmas decorations established, let's explore some popular options for adorning one's home during the festive season. A Christmas tree is a central feature of holiday decor, and it can be enhanced with ornaments, tree toppers, garlands, and ribbons. Tree toppers, such as angels and stars, add a classic touch, while ribbons can be used to adorn the tree or wrap gifts. Ornaments come in various themes, from traditional Nordic styles to elegant designs inspired by historical residences. For a unique touch, consider a tree collar or skirt, made from materials like faux fur, velvet, or quilted fabric.
Beyond the Christmas tree, there are numerous ways to decorate your home. Flameless candles on tabletops and mantels create a cosy atmosphere, while miniature trees, snow globes, and stocking holders add festive cheer. For outdoor decorations, life-sized Christmas figures, lanterns, and string lights can transform your porch or patio into a merry scene. Don't forget to take advantage of sales during Black Friday and Cyber Monday to acquire your Christmas decorations at a discount.
Whether you're putting up your decorations on Christmas Eve or the day after Thanksgiving, and regardless of whether you take them down on New Year's Day or Candlemas, the key is to embrace the joy and spirit of the Christmas season and create a warm and festive atmosphere in your home.
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Frequently asked questions
The Catholic Christmas season begins on Christmas Eve with the Nativity of the Lord.
The Church regards Christmas as an octave, or an eight-day celebration. However, there is a liturgical precedent for claiming that Christmas is 12 days long.
The liturgical season of Christmas ends with the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord. In 2024-2025, this was on Sunday, January 12.
The 12 days fall between two major Christian feasts: the Nativity on Christmas Day and Epiphany, which is celebrated on January 6. It is believed that it took the Three Kings, or "Magi", twelve days to journey to baby Jesus.
Epiphany celebrates the revelation that Jesus was the Son of God. It marks when the Magi arrived to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, and gave Jesus the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
