Originally published at Orange County Catholic
IN A WORLD OF “Happy Holidays,” it’s more important than ever to own and reclaim the Christmas season! You probably know that Christmas doesn’t start until December 25. But when does it end? Here’s a quick rundown of some fun Christmastide facts.
WHEN DOES CHRISTMAS START?
This one is not common knowledge to many outside the Catholic Church. The Christmas season does not begin until Dec. 25. Or, more precisely, until First Vespers of Christmas Eve. Before then, while the world is shopping and listening to Mariah Carey, we’re still celebrating the preparatory season of Advent, which started four Sundays before Christmas Day.
THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS
From the Solemnity of the Nativity on Dec. 25, to the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God on Jan. 1, is the extended celebration of the Octave of Christmas.
This week-long celebration is how the Church commemorates her highest holy days. (Easter has its own octave as well.) After not hearing the “Gloria” said at Mass throughout all of Advent, we now hear it every single day for eight days. The Octave of Christmas also includes the Feast of the Holy Family on the Sunday after Christmas. (Or when Christmas is on a Sunday, on
