“Oh why can’t every day be like Christmas? Why can’t that feeling go on endlessly?
For if everyday could be just like Christmas, what a wonderful world this would be.”
-If Every Day was Like Christmas sung by Elvis Presley.

Last week I talked about Christmas lights. At that time, I had hinted that I would be doing some follow-up. This week I’ll be talking about the 12 days of Christmas, or more accurately, asking the question: why must everything come to a screeching halt on December 26th, or for some people even earlier after all the presents are opened? After months of preparation leading up to this time, as soon as the festivities are done people are back to the hustle and bustle of normal everyday life.

I know I’m not alone in having multiple Christmases to attend. This year we’re starting early and ending our celebrations on Christmas Day, but in years past we’ve celebrated well into the New Year depending on when everyone had time to get together. Since we do not live in a perfect world some flexibility is needed and so I find myself wondering “Why the rush?” when many are still celebrating beyond the traditional days of the season.

There is a common misconception that the 12 Days of Christmas are the twelve days leading up to Christmas, when actually the 12 days begin on Christmas Day. Once again, I ask you to join me on a trip back in time, quite a bit further back than 11th century Scandinavia where we went last week. Now we are traveling back to Bethlehem to the birth of Jesus. According to Christian theology, the 12 Days of Christmas start on December 25th after the birth and end 12 days later on January 6th (or 5th depending on the source) with the arrival of the Three Wise Men. For many denominations and cultures, December 25th marks the beginning of the feasting, celebrating and entertaining for 12 days (including those Scandinavians from last week). I’m not sure exactly when in history the 12 days of feasting ended but I think this is something we definitely need to bring back!

Let’s come back to present day and get back to the question at hand: Why must Christmas end on the 26th? Trees and decorations are taken down. Lights are turned off. The music has stopped. It all ends so abruptly and doesn’t allow those of us who need it the opportunity to slowly integrate back into normal, everyday, non-holiday life. Why can’t we hold onto the magic and spirit of the season just a little bit longer? Why can’t we all be more like Tiny Tim instead of Uncle Scrooge? Why can’t we feast and celebrate for 12 days as we once did?

I know a big part of this is retail and marketing. As I write this (a good week before Christmas) I have already encountered Valentine’s Day paraphernalia in the stores. I also understand that not everyone enjoys Christmas (or the other December holidays) as much as I do. Maybe you need space back in your house, or to just clean things up and put it all away. Perhaps the holiday season is too stressful and busy for you and getting back to the daily grind provides a slower pace and more relaxing. It could be that it is easier to jump in instead of dipping in a toe. As for me, I choose to hold on and slowly wade into the waters of the New Year.

P.S. For some 12 Days of Christmas fun

• See how much it would cost to actually give your true love all the items from the song. PNC Bank Christmas Price Index
• Read how medieval England celebrated the 12 Days (and ALL the feasts)!
• What does the moon have to do with the 12 Days of Christmas?
• Check out these recommendations based on gifts given from the 12 Days of Christmas:

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