For most of the secular world, Dec. 26 can be a rather low time as people consider it the end of the holidays and the real world kicks back into action. However, for Catholics, the Christmas season is only just beginning. The “12 Days of Christmas” mark the time between the birth of Our Lord and the feast of the Epiphany (celebrated on Jan. 7 in 2024). Liturgically in the Church, this time officially begins the Christmas season and is traditionally when families exchanged gifts and hosted their celebrations. This year, extend your Christmas spirit beyond Dec. 25, and carry on the joy of the arrival of Our Lord into the New Year with ideas that you and your family can make into new traditions, from www.intentionalcatholicparenting.com
The Christmas season wouldn’t be the same without music. From beloved carols to rapturous classical compositions, consider attending performances at parishes and schools in the Diocese of Charlotte to spark your Christmas joy. Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro will be hosting “Lessons and Carols” at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 29. In Charlotte, St. Matthew Church will have “Children’s Christmas Cantata and Adoration” at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, where children of the parish will present a telling of the Nativity story set to music – followed by family Adoration. Check with your parish to see if any musical events are happening near you.