Dec. 18: The 12 Days of Christmas

With so much focus on December 25, we sometimes forget that the Christmas season doesn’t end on Christmas Day, it begins then.  Nick Wagner, writing in U.S. Catholic, makes some suggestions for a modern celebration of the 12 days of Christmas:

Wait until Christmas Eve to add the star to your tree.  Mark St. Stephen’s feast on December 26 by helping the poor, and St. John’s feast the next day by reconciling with others.  Make time for loved ones on the feast of the Holy Family—and revive a custom by praying the rosary on January 1.

Re-read the Christmas cards you received.  Examine your conscience, confront injustice, and count your blessings.  Share time with friends.  Honor the Holy Name of Jesus on this feast.  Observe the Epiphany by remembering the gifts of the Magi as well as the great gift of baptism.

Celebrate the entire Christmas season.

Where is the Child who has been born king of the Jews?  For we observed His star at its rising, and have come to pay Him homage.  (Matthew 2:2)

Child of Bethlehem, may I imitate the Wise Men and seek You with all my heart.