Accepting the End of Christmas: Beyond Black Friday Blues
When the last notes of Twelve Days of Christmas fade, it's tempting to feel that the festive season has abruptly ended. However, liturgically speaking, Christmas is just beginning to wind down, not abruptly terminating. This is only the fifth day of Christmas, a time when the famous refrain from the popular carol reminds us that we still have several days to go! Traditionally, the day of 'five golden rings' marks the beginning of an extended celebration, leading up to Epiphany, the ultimate culmination of the Christmas season. Epiphany, marking the Brilliance of the Festival, heralds the twelfth day and signifies the visit of the Three Wise Men to baby Jesus. While many traditional celebrations have been supplanted by the modern Christmas shopping season, there are still opportunities to embrace the Christmas spirit.
The Continuing Spirit of Christmas
Traditionally, this period would have included festive events such as Twelfth Night celebrations, which featured elaborate masques, grand balls, and costume balls. These events were seen as moments for revelry and joy. In France, for instance, the tradition of galettes des Rois (kings' galettes) continues. These flat marzipan-filled pastries carry a charm or a "fève," a tinytoken found within. The person who stumbles upon this charm during their meal will be crowned king or queen for the day, wearing a cardboard crown symbolizing their reign. However, in many parts of the world, the shopping season has overshadowed these traditions.
The Shopping Season Dominates
The contemporary world often begins the Christmas shopping bonanza right after Thanksgiving in the United States, extending until Christmas Day. Amidst this bustling retail environment, it's understandable to feel that Christmas is over. This can create a sense of letdown and melancholy. While these commercial activities certainly have their charm, there is still a segment of the population who hold onto the traditional spirit of Christmas.
Celebrating the Twelve Days of Christmas
Organizations such as Christian churches and other religious communities continue to celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas. In fact, while the commercial sector might deem it over, religious traditions see the possibility for celebration that extends beyond the shopping frenzy. For instance, the Twelfth Night Masque is a fascinating tradition that continues to be celebrated in places like Prairie du Rocher. This celebration not only maintains the spirit of the season but also brings communities together, ensuring that the joy and excitement of Christmas are not lost.
Transitioning Peacefully
If you're like me, and quite likely you are, you might have felt that the fifth day of Christmas didn't receive the special attention it deserved. Wishing you could have done more, you might also be thinking about the letdown that follows the excitement of gift-giving and family gatherings. For others, particularly those for whom the commercial aspects of Christmas have overshadowed the spiritual and festive aspects, there is a palpable sense of relief when the last gifts have been exchanged.
End of Celebrations vs. Deepening Reflection
Ultimately, Christmas is over in the literal sense, as traditions and celebrations come to an end. The fifth of January marks the last day to leave up Christmas decorations, according to some cultural norms. Epiphany, celebrated on the sixth of January, signifies the ultimate fulfillment of the Christmas narrative with the arrival of the Three Wise Men. However, within these liturgical and societal markers, the spirit of Christmas can continue to permeate our lives.
The End of Christmas marks a transition, a shift from the exuberance of giving and receiving to a deeper reflection on the meaning of the season. It's a time to look back on the traditions and memories that have been shared and to look forward to the new experiences that lie ahead. Whether you celebrate the retail aspect or the religious traditions, the end of Christmas is a pivotal moment that invites us to embrace the spirit of the season in a new way.