They’re called the Twelve Days of Christmas and there’s a reason that they’re there.
Folks from Ye Olde days knew a thing or two about celebrations
The lead up to Christmas used to be a time of fasting and prayer for Christians, who saved their celebrations until the 25th of December, which was the first day of Christmas. The celebrations continued through to the night of the twelfth day when they wrapped up the festivities with a big Epiphany party. Incidentally, that’s the inspiration for Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. He wrote it to conclude the Christmas celebrations with a comedic bang.
Setting aside the month of December to reflect on your year is lovely. I think it’s a great way to ease into the new year, but taking stock of where you are currently and what areas you need to improve on. Doing without some creature comforts and giving generously to others is a good thing, whether or not you’re religious.
This time of simple living also makes Christmas more joyful when it does arrive. Rather than been worn out from partying, we’re fresh and ready to revel. Who wouldn’t want to party for 12 days after fasting for at least 25?
Keeping up the decorations remind us of hope and joy
In my opinion, there is nothing more joyful than a decked out Christmas tree. I love coming home to my door adorned with its Christmassy wreath. I think twinkle lights should be household staple. These things bring on the nostalgia for simpler times, but they also bring joy and hope for a fresh start in the new year.
Christmas decorations can remind us that hope and joy aren’t just one day virtues. We’re meant to live them out all year long. Keeping your decorations up until 6th January can help keep that front of mind as we leave the old year behind and start the first week of 2022.
Slowing down can help us appreciate whatever season we’re in
We’re in such a rush these days. In the US, they rush from Halloween to Thanksgiving to Christmas to NYE. In Australia, we’re not much better. We scramble to wrap up work and school, flying into the new year with Christmas one solitary day in the middle.
But why rush? Revel in the joy of Christmas for the whole twelve days. Embrace that season, getting all the enjoyment out of it. If Christmas is a difficult time, it can help to spread Christmas over twelve days, taking the pressure off just one day.
That goes for other ‘seasons’ in life too. We all go through happy times, sad times and periods of waiting. Often, we want to rush out of those hard times to the next best thing. But there is gold in every season. We have something to enjoy and learn wherever we are. However, we’ll never find those things if we’re in a rush.
Take your time. Leave those Christmas decorations up to remind you to take a moment to find the good that’s right here. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.
