... for its beginning, not its ending... In the secular world, Christmas ends on December 26th. Trees are thrown out to the curbs, people rush back to the stores to return unwanted gifts, and business-as-usual gets back on motion that make the celebration of the birth of Christ officially over. 

But not for faithful Catholics, because the real Christmas season is now under way. Beginning with the Christmas Octave, the eight days of celebration from Christmas Day to January 1st, are several feasts followed by the Epiphany and baptism of the Lord. ​

*   December 26 – Feast of St. Stephen
*   December27 – The Holy Family
*   December 28 – The Holy Innocents
*   January 1 – Mary, Holy Mother of God
*   January 3 – The Epiphany of the Lord
*   January 10 – The Baptism of the Lord
​
Throughout these 17 days, we hear great stories in the Mass readings of the events that occured about the awesomeness and future direction of our newborn King for all eternity.

Perhaps our participation in these Liturgical celebrations during this wonderful season could be our “Birthday Gift” for Christ this year.