With a feast as important as Christmas, we are not limited to celebrating it on one day but are encouraged to continue the celebration for eight days – referred to in the Christian tradition as an “octave” – concluding on
January 1. Each day is still another “little Christmas”.
Here is a great quote explaining the reason for the Octave of Christmas:
“In the spirit of the Church the great feasts of redemption should not be restricted to a single celebration but should continue on through a full week. Mother Church is a good psychologist; she understands human nature perfectly. When a feast comes, the soul is amazed and not quite prepared to think profoundly upon its mystery; but on the following days the mind finds it easy to consider the mystery from all sides, sympathetically and deeply; and an eighth day affords a wonderful opportunity to make a synthesis of all points covered...Today for the last time the Church leads us to the crib at Bethlehem” (The Church’s Year of Grace, Volume I, pp. 244-245).
Don't be afraid to turn up the Christmas music, bake more treats, admire your tree, and continue to celebrate Christmas in the days following December 25th.
Here is a great quote explaining the reason for the Octave of Christmas:
“In the spirit of the Church the great feasts of redemption should not be restricted to a single celebration but should continue on through a full week. Mother Church is a good psychologist; she understands human nature perfectly. When a feast comes, the soul is amazed and not quite prepared to think profoundly upon its mystery; but on the following days the mind finds it easy to consider the mystery from all sides, sympathetically and deeply; and an eighth day affords a wonderful opportunity to make a synthesis of all points covered...Today for the last time the Church leads us to the crib at Bethlehem” (The Church’s Year of Grace, Volume I, pp. 244-245).
Don't be afraid to turn up the Christmas music, bake more treats, admire your tree, and continue to celebrate Christmas in the days following December 25th.
Plan to celebrate the Octave of Christmas until January 1, making each day
after Christmas Day a ‘little Christmas’.