In the Church, Christmas is much more than a one-day celebration. It is an entire season! Beginning with the liturgies on Christmas Eve, the Church celebrates the coming of Jesus until the Feast of the Epiphany, which is now celebrated on the first Sunday after January 1. On the Feast of the Epiphany, we recall how, through Jesus, Gentiles are now heirs to all of God’s promises.

Before the Feast of the Epiphany, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Family on the Sunday between Christmas and New Year’s Day. In between are the feasts of Saint Stephen on December 26 and Saint John the Evangelist on December 28, as well as the Feast of the Holy Innocents on December 28.

On New Year’s Day we commemorate a number of themes: the Octave of Christmas (eight days afterward); Mary, the Mother of God; and World Peace Day. Finally, the Christmas season for the Church ends with the Baptism of Jesus on the Sunday following the Epiphany.

Family Activity

	Plan a cultural Christmas celebration and share the meaning of different traditions.

	•		Children can suggest special foods, ornaments, or games they enjoy at Christmas. Your family can discuss your own cultural or family traditions.
	•		Talk about the importance of passing down from one generation to another family customs and traditions.
	•		The Church, too, has traditions that began with the first followers. By remembering and continuing these traditions, we remain closer to Christ.

See the Liturgical Calendar on this site for additional information.
See also Catechist—Lent or Teacher—Lent for Liturgy.