Three Kings Day.
Little Christmas.
Epiphany.
Twelfth Day.
Greek Christmas.
La Befana.
and the 12th Day of Christmas

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love said to me

Get rid of that damn tree already!

January 6th is the traditional day the Magi, or the Three Kings, visited the Christ Child. They came bearing gifts of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh.

Today is also known as Little Christmas, Epiphany, Twelfth Day, Greek or Orthodox Christmas, La Befana (Italy) and the 12th Day of Christmas.

And yes, however you celebrate today, Christmas is officially over!

link: Wikipedia - Biblical Magi

Twelfth Night
Its the eve of the Epiphany and the end of the 12 days of Christmas. Also known as Twelfth Day Eve.

(Twelfth Night is also a play by Shakespeare which takes place during the Twelfth Night holiday)

photo credit: Chris L. Harris

I received an email this morning asking when to take the Christmas tree? I thought I’d share this in case others might have the same question.

When does the tree come down? Before the first of the new year or leave it until the new year?

I believe that’s strictly a personal decision.

Some people put it up on the 24th and take it down on the 26th. Some remove the tree by New Years in order to start the new year off without any “old baggage” from the past year.

And it also depends on whether you have a live or artificial tree. Some might want to get the dead - live - tree out of the house sooner than someone with an artificial tree.

As for myself - we take our tree down after January 6th - Three Kings Day - the 12th day of Christmas. A family tradition since - umm - forever!

So there are no rules. Its up to you and whatever family traditions you have.

photo credit: g-hat via flickr

Christmas Eve

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring no even that louse. . . y brother-in-law. . .

Well that’s not quite how the story goes. Here are the real words to A Visit from Saint Nicholas by Clement Clark Moore.

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. . .

(more…)

“Christmas on the Net“

Holidays on the Net invites you to our celebration of Christmas. We’ve recently redesigned our site so join us for a fresh look at the “most wonderful time of the year!”

Christmas is a time for Families, Fun, and Festivities! A time of family gatherings and holiday meals. A time for Santa, stars, and singing carols. A time for ornaments, gifts, and twinkling lights. Of sleigh rides, hot cocoa, and gingerbread cookies.

Join us for stories of Christmas and the Christ Child, an animated look at the “Many Faces of Santa”, holiday music for singing along, crafts to make, and holiday pictures for the kids to print and color. Visit our “Voices of Christmas” and listen to Christmas greetings from around the world. We have also added new holiday recipes to help make your celebration a delicious one!

So bring your kids and tell your friends. Don’t forget to send your friends and family Christmas greetings with our FREE e-greeting cards. Christmas is celebrated December 25th.

(more…)

Festivus
Ahhh yes. Festivus. The holiday “for the rest of us!” Get out your aluminium pole and get ready to “air your grievances” because its one of our favorite holidays!

Festivus was first introduced in the famous Seinfeld episode “The Strike” in which Frank Costanza, father of the beloved George Costanza, tells how he created Festivus in response to the commercialization of Christmas. But in reality Festivus has been around since the 1960’s and was “rediscovered” by the Seinfeld writers.

A highlight of the festival is the Festivus Pole. Simple. Unadorned. Strikingly aluminium.

While its a bit late to get your Festivus pole for this years celebration, there is always next year. And the website of the Wagner Companies in Milwaukee is a great place to start. And don’t forget to check out their great video explaining the vast and humorous history of the Festivus holiday.

Why yes even Santa’s elves are getting into the holiday spirit!
photo credit: Festivus Poles (Wagner Companies)

links:
wikipedia: Festivus
Festivus Poles (Wagner Companies)
Festivus Video