Christmastime Should End Late Rather Than Start Early

null Jan. 4, 2024 4:37 pm ET Photo: Getty Images/iStockphotoIt was great to see a column on the right ordering of the Christmas celebration (“Make Christmas Medieval Again” by Joseph Bottum, Houses of Worship, Dec. 29). Sixty years ago our Catholic family celebrated Advent acidulously: no Christmas parties or treats.The practices were somewhat penitential, but not as intense as those of Lent, and the spirit was much more preparation than penance. Our tree went up Christmas Eve and down the day after the Epiphany (Jan. 6). But things really got fun when I adopted my husband’s customs from Poland. Our tree now goes up Christmas Eve and down the day after Candlemas (Feb. 2, the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple). We have a long, warm Christmastide to appreciate the greatness of Christ’s birth.Copyright ©2024 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8Sponsored OffersWalmart: $20 Off Walmart Promo Code - Any $50+ OrderASOS: ASOS Promo Cod

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Opinion Jan 5, 2024 Add to Reading List

Christmastime Should End Late Rather Than Start Early

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Jan. 4, 2024 4:37 pm ET

Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto

It was great to see a column on the right ordering of the Christmas celebration (“Make Christmas Medieval Again” by Joseph Bottum, Houses of Worship, Dec. 29). Sixty years ago our Catholic family celebrated Advent acidulously: no Christmas parties or treats.

The practices were somewhat penitential, but not as intense as those of Lent, and the spirit was much more preparation than penance. Our tree went up Christmas Eve and down the day after the Epiphany (Jan. 6). But things really got fun when I adopted my husband’s customs from Poland. Our tree now goes up Christmas Eve and down the day after Candlemas (Feb. 2, the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple). We have a long, warm Christmastide to appreciate the greatness of Christ’s birth.