US Catholic bishops declare War on Christmas!

[hedgehog]

Remember that song, the 12 Days of Christmas? Traditionally, Christmas runs from December 25 to January 6, The Feast of the Epiphany.

Now Epiphany is an important feast, but people are usually back at work that day, so the Catholic Church in the US celebrates the feast on the first Sunday in January. This year that date is January 2, meaning that the bishops have truncated the official Christmas season to a mere 8 days!

Now this part isn't their fault, but I really look forward to that week-end between Christmas and New Year's. We have a lot of family parties to fit in and need every day we can get!

[FSogol]

1. Only 8 days? It should make that song easier to sing.

:shrug:

[hedgehog]

2. Just think what we could have if they really pushed to keep Epiphany

on January 6 and make a big deal out of it:

Hispanics, Italians and the Irish* could have the chance to celebrate like in the old country

AND

everyone else could have another day off to watch football and/or drink beer.



*"In my mother's house, the Feast of the Three Kings was called Little Christmas. When she was a girl, it was also known as Nollaig na mBan or Women's Christmas. This was a very special occasion when the women would gather for what we'd call a high tea - with wine! There are some who say that water turns into wine on this day in honor of the Magi, others who maintain the miracle occurs because it's the Anniversary of the Wedding Feast at Cana. To whomever or whatever you attribute the miracle, it's thought to be very unlucky to try and watch it take place."

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/acalend/NewYears.html



I really, really , really hate it when you look around on December 26 and Christmas is over. I'm just getting started!

[TexasProgresive]

5. I grew up in New Orleans and Kings' Day was a big thing

We would have Kings' Day parties with a king cake. Whoever got the Babe (plastic baby Jesus) in their slice of cake was the king and got to distribute the gifts. The grown ups had their own king cake and whoever got the Babe hosted next weeks party. This continued until Mardi Gras. All festivities ceased for Lent.

[blondeatlast]

3. Catholic Bishops make baby Jesus cry...

This really is sad; I always enjoy the "Twelth Day."

[Bozita]

4. Downsizing?