Is Christmas Really Over?

It seems that every year, commercialism pushes holidays faster and faster, chasing the almighty dollar. Halloween costumes and decorations are out earlier and earlier. I believe I saw Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations all out at the same time! New Year’s Eve party favors and decorations were out before Christmas Eve! People are wishing each other a Happy New Year before Christmas Day is here. People quickly move past Christmas, often as soon as December 26. Is Christmas really over? Together, let’s explore the true meaning of Christmas, its season, significance, and how it offers a fresh start for faith-filled living.

The True Meaning of Christmas

Christmas is more than gifts, decorated trees and pretty lights. It is the celebration of  the birth of Jesus Christ and His gift of salvation to all of mankind. Luke 2:10-11 reads, “The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.’ “ (usccb.org) Our response to this great gift should be one of gratitude. Gratitude is shown in words and works. We must be laborers for Christ. Christmas calls us to discipleship. It puts us on a mission. How that mission looks can be different for each one of us. It depends on who God created you to be.To support you in your discipleship mission, remember John 3:16, “ For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” (usccb.org)

 The Christmas Season: How Long Does It Last?

Most people think Christmas includes only Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, even though they may start celebrating as early as before thanksgiving. According to the Catholic liturgical calendar, Christmas season begins with the Christmas Eve (December 24) vigil Masses and ends on the Sunday Mass celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord (the Sunday between January 2-8 in the U.S.).

There are many cultural and liturgical differences about when Christmas ends. Throw in commercialism and there is a huge rush to get the shopping started! Stores play Christmas music before Thanksgiving to get us in the mood to buy gifts, but often leave out the real reason for the Christmas season! W must remember that it is more than trees, lights ,Santa and gifts!

The Octave of the Christmas Season

Christmas is a celebration!  Did you know that several other celebrations occur during the Christmas Season? “The Octave of Christmas includes eight days of feast days and holy celebrations in the Church, beginning on Christmas Day and concluding on New Year’s Day.” (Hallow.com)

Source: Hallow.com and CatholicCulture.com

Christmas is the Start of the Catholic New Year

Starting the new year with Jesus’ birth brings renewal, hope, and a fresh perspective to life. Remembering that we are imperfectly perfect because God created us, we can surrender to our faith and live fearlessly. Christmas reminds us in this new year of Christ’s birth that we gained salvation as “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” John 3:16 (usccb.org)

The secular New Year offers opportunities to make resolutions for improvement. It focuses more on what is wrong with us than what is right and good. Now of course, no one human being is perfect, because of our humanity. Leaning into Christmas, rebirth and renewal, offers us the opportunity to embrace our God-given talents and gifts to improve or strengthen them.

How Christmas Offers a Fresh Start for Living Our Faith

To really live out Christmas. You need to live it daily, not just during the Christmas Season. Give love freely to your brothers and sisters in Christ. That means family, friends, neighbors and strangers alike. Practice generosity. Give to give and not to receive. Practice discipleship. You are called by your Baptism to do so. Matthew 28:19, “Go, therefore,* and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit,” (usccb.org)

Here are some practical tips to live your faith;:

• Deepen your prayer life: Pray more often and with intention. Check out some tips found here.
• Serve others: Intentionally serve as a laborer for Christ.
• Renew your faith commitments: Participate in the sacraments, Bible study and other church events.
• Know your God-given value: Don’t cave to society’s expectations, but instead be the change.

 Living Christmas Year-Round

The joy and meaning of Christmas can impact personal, professional, and spiritual life. When you embrace the Christmas spirit daily as a path to growth and discipleship, you will find joy. Don’t confuse joy with happiness. Happiness is a temporary feeling that often leads you to needing “more” to gain new and longer lasting happiness. Joy, especially in Christianity, is a deep feeling produced by the Holy Spirit (fruit). It is not contingent on material things and no matter what happens, no one can take your joy. 

Live the Christmas message of faith, hope, and love every day!

Remember that Christmas is not just a day but a season and a way of life. It is in how you live it, how you share it and how you teach it! I invite you to explore related articles on Graceful Awakening for deeper spiritual growth. Let me know what moves you.

How will you keep the Christmas spirit alive every day this year?