Epiphany

Epiphany was yesterday (January 6.) Christmas is "officially" over.

Sometimes it amazes me that "The World" allows Christmas to be over on December 26. I mean, the whole US retail/commercial market spends two months (at least) hyping a religious holiday as a reason to sell us stuff, but then doesn't take advantage of the fact that there are, in fact, Twelve Days of Christmas. (Forty in some cultures, but I think that's overdoing it, and not giving Epiphany its due.)

From my visit to Spain I learned that the Spanish people traditionally celebrated Epiphany with the big gift exchange (which makes sense -- that's when the Magi arrived with gifts for the newborn King of the Jews) but that tradition is eroding as more people adopt the Western tradition of gift giving on (or just before or just after) December 25.

Honestly, I hope the 12 Days don't ever get commercialized. It's nice to celebrate "Christmas" with "The World" for the entire month between Thanksgiving, and then celebrate with the church for the next two weeks as well.

So, welcome Epiphany. Your inclusiveness and joy will be welcome, on our way to Lent.