By Patricia Hall, FairfaxFamilyFun.com
Each year around this time, I hear the familiar lament from various people: the debate on when to take down the trees. After all, some say, Christmas is now over. But that is simply not true. The “12 Days of Christmas” begin, not end, on December 25. The “12 days” generally refers to the time between Christmas Day and the day of the Epiphany. But surprisingly many people, even some Christians, don’t seem to realize this.
Christmas, thus, just began, and will end on January 5, the day of the Epiphany, or Three Kings’ Day. This day, for most of those who celebrate Christmas, is when the Magi visited baby Jesus (the Christmas season, of course, can vary by the specific Christian denomination). Some cultures celebrate the feast of the Epiphany, and the end of the Christmas season, with a Twelfth Night feast. And yes, Shakespeare’s famous “Twelfth Night” is directly related to the event: the play was written to be performed as a Twelfth Night entertainment.
So if you’re feeling pressure to take down your Christmas tree or other decorations, or dealing with holiday “burnout,” remember, Christmas has just begun! Keep your Christmas tree — and your spirits — up and enjoy the full holiday season! To help you celebrate, see the fun holiday events you still can enjoy in our area, including special performances, light shows, and New Year’s Eve events. Our Holiday Guide for family-friendly fun has several options, many of them free!
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Will the Three Wise Men visit your home?
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