It is culturally common for many to take down their decorations on December 26th. This assumes the good news of Jesus’ birth is old news. In contrast, Brian and I usually always have our Christmas decorations up through at least January 19th (to celebrate alongside our Eastern Orthodox Christian friends’ and their full 12 days. They use a different calendar.)
This year, we plan to have our decorations up even longer. I was inspired by a conversation I had with my brother Ethan last night via video chat. He lives in Taxco, Mexico. My nephew and niece were explaining all of the added joy of lingering the Christmas celebrations until February 2nd. For example, on Epiphany, children in Mexico set out their shoes on January 6th for the wisemen to put treats in them overnight. The decorations are still adding festive cheer. The lights shine brightly inside their home and their community. There is a lasting joy, awe and wonder that Christ would come so humbly in a manger. Christmas music still fills the air.
After a very tough year of 2020, the thought of celebrating Christ’s birth for the first full month of 2021 sounds appealing to Brian and to me. It is a time to recognize that hope is born for all of us. God is truly with us. The promise of new life is a great focus into a new year.
In whatever way you choose to celebrate the holidays, trust and know that God is always with us. You are not alone. God can birth possibilities and promise even still today.
Feliz Navidad! Merry Christmas! May the New Year truly bring healing and happiness as well.
