So I'm sitting here on my sofa, contemplating the mighty wind that's blowing outside, (The local weather guy tells me the gusts are reaching 40 mph.) and preparing for our observation of the Twelfth Night and the Epiphany.
The Twelfth Night is the twelfth night of Christmas, and the Epiphany (I capitalize the word, although many do not.) celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Men to the stable in Bethlehem. My Dad always referred to it as the day "those three wise guys came to town."
Our observations of both are modest, out of financial necessity and tradition, but we find joy and comfort in taking at least a few minutes to mark the end of another Christmas season.
Many do not share our tradition. Several friends (don't worry, no names) look at the calendar and are quick to yell, "that's a wrap" and then strike the holiday set. Some do it December 27 others wait until January 2. But all are a little too quick to pull down the decorations - the lights, the tree - wreaths - and plunge ahead into the new year, I think.
Their reasons are many (and most are reasonable). "Oh, the season starts earlier and earlier each year, and I'm just ready for it to be done. Two months is long enough," one said.
"I'm busy, and need to do this while I have some time off from work," another told me.
"These things aren't going to put themselves away, you know. Besides, I hate a long goodbye," remains a favorite that was shared by a relative.
Others think waiting for the Epiphany only avoids the inevitable. It is to them akin to procrastination or laziness.
I understand their points, but I do not share their views. I thank my parents for that. Mom and Dad were serious Catholics. Mom thought we should adhere to the Church's calendar for such things. I always respected that perspective.
Dad was a bit more practical. He cherished Advent and the Christmas season, holding it as a special time of year. "Let's not rush to close the door on such beautiful days."
I learned from Dad to value the traditions (universal and personal) of the season. Like him, I hold dear the warm and generous spirit of the season. It's difficult to feel it at other times of the year, and I have trouble finding it at all during the hot and humid days of August.
And "Uncle" Ernie (not a relative, just a friend who wanted everyone to call him uncle, so we did) frequently said life would be so much better for most of us if we learned to enjoy things as they were happening and make those moments last for as long as possible. I agree.
So I appreciate the classic Christmas movies and the holy music. I watch the Hollywood classics and listen to music right through the Epiphany. The practice sustains me in my efforts to hold tight to the spirit of season. It warms my soul and lightens my heart.
That's why I still observe the Twelfth Night and the Epiphany. Besides, I'm in no hurry to pack up all the decorations and carry them to the downstairs closet. I'm kind of lazy that way.
-- Thank you for reading. Comments are always welcome. You may leave one here or send an email to kbotterman@gmail.com. May the peace of the Christmas season be with you throughout the new year.
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