The presents have been unwrapped, the carols have been sung, and the joyful Mass of Christmas Day has come and gone. But wait—Christmas isn’t over yet! The Church gives us 12 glorious days to continue celebrating, right up to the Feast of the Epiphany (January 6).
Between the manger and the Magi, there’s a whole season of joy, reflection, and faith to embrace. Here are some meaningful ways to live out this sacred time and truly carry the light of Christmas forward.
1. Keep Your Nativity Scene Up (and Add the Magi!)
The story of Christmas doesn’t end at the manger. Let your Nativity scene remain as a reminder of Christ’s birth. If you have Magi figurines, place them further from the stable and move them closer each day—symbolizing their journey to meet Jesus.
On the Feast of the Epiphany, place the Magi near the manger to complete the scene.
2. Sing (or Learn) the Christmas Anthems
The Christmas season has its own rich treasury of hymns beyond “Silent Night” and “Jingle Bells.” Sing or listen to songs like “What Child Is This?”, “We Three Kings”, and “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” These hymns deepen our understanding of the Incarnation and the joy it brings.
3. Host a Christmas Novena or Prayer Time
Gather your family or friends for nine days of prayer between Christmas and Epiphany, focusing on the significance of Christ’s birth. The novena could include reflections on the gifts of the Magi, the role of the Holy Family, and the light of Christ in our lives.
If you prefer simplicity, pray the Rosary each evening or read a passage from the Gospels.
4. Bless Your Home with Chalk on Epiphany
On January 6, it’s a beautiful tradition to bless your home with chalk. Write this inscription above your door:
20 + C + M + B + 24
The numbers mark the year, and the letters stand for the names of the Magi—Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar—and also the Latin blessing, “Christus Mansionem Benedicat” (May Christ bless this house).
Pray together as a family, asking for God’s blessing and protection throughout the year.
5. Share the Light of Christ
Just as the Magi followed the star to find Jesus, we are called to be lights for others. In the days following Christmas, consider acts of kindness:
- Visit someone who’s lonely.
- Donate food or clothing to those in need.
- Write letters or cards to friends and family, reminding them of God’s love.
The joy of Christmas isn’t meant to be kept to ourselves—it’s a gift to share!
6. Reflect on the Gifts of the Magi
The gifts brought by the Magi—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—carry deep symbolism:
- Gold: A gift fit for a king, recognizing Christ’s royal authority.
- Frankincense: A symbol of prayer and divinity, acknowledging Jesus as God.
- Myrrh: A burial spice, foreshadowing Christ’s sacrifice.
Spend time meditating on what you can offer Christ in your life. What “gold” (your treasures), “frankincense” (your prayers), or “myrrh” (your sacrifices) can you bring to Him?
7. Read and Reflect on Scripture
Dive into the Christmas story in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Reflect on how each figure—Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the Magi—responded to Christ’s birth.
Ask yourself:
- How can I imitate Mary’s faith and trust?
- How can I carry the good news like the shepherds?
- How can I seek Christ with the persistence of the Magi?
8. Host a “12th Night” Gathering
On the night before Epiphany (January 5), gather family and friends for a joyful celebration. Share a meal, exchange small gifts, and reflect on the blessings of the Christmas season.
You can even bake a King Cake or a similar festive treat, hiding a small token inside. Whoever finds it is crowned “king” or “queen” for the night, symbolizing the Magi’s royal visit to Jesus.
9. Focus on the Holy Family
Between Christmas and Epiphany, the Feast of the Holy Family is celebrated (on the Sunday after Christmas). Take this time to pray for your own family and reflect on the virtues of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
Consider creating new family traditions that bring you closer together and honor Christ at the center of your home.
10. End with Gratitude and Renewal
As the Feast of the Epiphany approaches, take time to give thanks for the blessings of the season. Reflect on how you’ve encountered Christ in the past year and how you hope to follow Him in the year ahead.
Ask for the intercession of the Magi, who searched tirelessly for the Savior, and pray for the courage to pursue Jesus with the same devotion.
A Closing Thought
The days between Christmas and Epiphany are a reminder that the joy of Christ’s birth isn’t just a one-day event. It’s a season of miracles, grace, and light that we are invited to carry into the world.
So, don’t pack away the Nativity just yet—stay in the wonder of Christmas a little longer. Follow the star, like the Magi, and let your journey to Christ continue.
