Christmas is perhaps the single most anticipated and beloved holiday across the globe. While delicious foods, shimmering lights and neatly wrapped gifts are always highlights of the season, it is the birth of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, that is the reason for our rejoicing – it is the fulfillment of the promise of the Messiah: “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:1-6). This Christmas, as you gather with loved ones, perhaps consider some of these timely tips to keep the true meaning of this holiday close to your hearts.
For most of the secular world, Dec. 26 can be a rather low time as people consider it the end of the holidays and the real world kicks back into action. However, for Catholics, the Christmas season is only just beginning. The “12 Days of Christmas” mark the time between the birth of Our Lord and the feast of the Epiphany (celebrated on Jan. 7 in 2024). Liturgically in the Church, this time officially begins the Christmas season and is traditionally when families exchanged gifts and hosted their celebrations. This year, extend your Christmas spirit beyond Dec. 25, and carry on the joy of the arrival of Our Lord into the New Year with ideas that you and your family can make into new traditions, from www.intentionalcatholicparenting.com