Merry TWELVE days of Christmas!

December 25, 2014

It's finally here. The house has been decorated, the presents bought and wrapped (and probably already opened by the time you read this), the cookies have been made, and the Christmas feast has been prepared.

Carols have been sung and thanks and praise given to the One whose birthday we celebrate.

Now, just a gentle reminder from my heart to yours: don't be so quick to pack everything up tomorrow, or even this weekend. You've worked hard to get to this point; don't shut down the party so quickly!

five golden rings . . . 

I'm hoping you're not joining the hoards returning things at the mall this weekend, or out shopping and spending your gift cards quite yet. That you're not carting the tree out to the curb and cleaning up strands of tinsel, and wiping away every vestige of this holy day.

Relax and enjoy the afterglow. 

The original 12 days of Christmas referred to the time between Christmas Day and January 6, or Epiphany, the day on the church calendar when the wise men from the east's arrival is remembered. Some traditions, like the song, give gifts every day, for all 12 days.



At least take 12 days to enjoy Christmas cookies, drink tea, maybe read the new Christmas book.

We're oftentimes so quick to get on to the Next. Big. Thing. In this case, I guess it is January sales and Valentine's Day. 

My Victoria magazine came the other day, and I saw something pink and maybe Valentine-y on the front, and I quickly stuffed it under a pile of books. Plenty of time to enjoy that later, in January, on a dull, cloudy winter's day when I need some cheer and inspiration.

Right now, I have plenty.

And isn't that always true? 

Right now we have everything we need.

We don't need anything newer or better or shinier than. just. this.

17 comments

  1. Since joining the Anglican church, I tend to want to celebrate through Epiphany. We even hung lights outside just last night!

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  2. A bright light in the Christmas stupidity!
    Yes, Advent is over and the Season of Christmas has begun.
    I really lap up the entire twelve days of Christmas. Our household will take down our decorations on Twelfth Night.
    On the other days I will write the thank you letters, organise my Christmas files, and attend to many of the details surrounding the New Year. Aaaargh. A long list. Insurances will be checked. The banking and the budget will be examined to see if we can gain some improvement. The organiser and planner will be updated. Repairs will be done. A new family calender will be made from old photos. Pot plants will be topped up with potting mix and some brought inside ready for cyclones. The recipe file will be culled. Drawers will be relined. For a few days I will be the perfect housekeeper. Then I will fall down and read books.
    Post Christmas and Boxing Day Sales are advertised and people buy ridiculous things they do not really need. Advertising works.
    While the days are wet I will treat my sunspots and stay home as much as possible.
    Many businesses are closed until the end of January here while staff have their annual holidays.
    Cricket and tennis on TV. Yacht races. Surfing.
    I love this time and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

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  3. Everyone should read your post today...and tomorrow! It's so very nice to enjoy the holiday season now that the rush is over. Merry Christmas sweet friend! Sweet hugs, Diane

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  4. Yes, these are the golden days of Christmas, quiet and calm, giving us lots of time to savor and ponder.

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  5. Hi Deborah, I totally agree with you! I HATE when I see a Christmas tree trown on the curb! I feel like they are throwing out baby Jesus! I hope you had a wonderful day. Enjoy the holiday season. Take care.
    Julie

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  6. I've always waited until January 6 to take down the Christmas decor, all the winter things stay out until March.
    Looking forward to quiet days of tea and reading my Victoria magazine too. Do you get Tea Time as well?

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  7. Oh Deborah, I couldn't agree with you more. No worries about my taking stuff down just yet. I still have a few more gatherings planned so will definitely keep the 12 days of Christmas alive and well. Hope you enjoy every second! Susan

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  8. Dear Deborah, Amen. I totally agree. Enjoy these days for the special time it is. Have a wonderful 12 days of Christmas!!
    Hugs

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  9. Good morning, Deborah. You absolutely expressed my thoughts exactly. I'm relishing the quiet moments after the frenzy of the holiday, and I love drinking my tea out of my Christmas mug and gazing at the tree. The whole house seems to be yawning and it's great. The next days will be calm and restful. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Rosie

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  10. Beautifully said, Deborah. My goodness, we put up the tree on Christmas Eve, and will probably take it down, (along with all the other festive touches), a few days after Epiphany, to really enjoy everything for all the reasons you mentioned. As you know, my daughter is spending Christmas with us this year, and we couldn't be happier, just to be together, in these quiet, sacred, sweet days of the year.

    It's been so lovely getting to know you, too, and visiting your wonderful blog throughout the year.

    Happy New Year to you, my friend!

    xo
    Poppy

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  11. I so agree!! Christmas does not even start to come down here until after Jan. 6th and sometimes even later!!

    Stop and enjoy this wonderful Holiday and don't rush head on into the next best thing!! That is one thing i do hate about Blogging is that everyone rushes right on to the next Holiday or season.....

    Merry 12 Days of Christmas to you!!

    Hugs,
    Deb

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  12. Dearest Deborah,
    Agreeing 100% with you on the 12 days of Christmas. That's exactly what I've been brought up in and also what we have been continuing in the US regardless. Our Nativity stays till Epiphany!
    I've not even had time to look at Victoria Magazine and indeed, there's plenty of time for the next thing. Let's linger and indulge in the Peace of Christmas.
    Our first year here in the USA, 1983, I was so shocked when I saw Christmas trees out in the trash to be collected by the city on the 26th of December. That struck me probably the hardest of all things.
    Thanks for writing this!!!
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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  13. Maybe if didn't rush into Christmas before its time, we wouldn't be in such a hurry to put it behind us? The two-month shopping/decorating/carols-on-the-Muzak season that flies by for an adult is almost an eternity to the little ones.

    My family has always kept Advent, waiting until Christmas Eve to to put up the tree. As children, we never even installed the Magi figures in the creche until Epiphany.

    Epiphany was also the day the children gave their gifts to each other, and to Mom and Dad. That way, the variety store colognes and homemade bookmarks could be properly appreciated.

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  14. Beautifully said, my friend :) Yes, let us relax and enjoy the afterglow!

    Thinking of you and wishing you a lovely evening. Hugs!

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  15. I usually take my Christmas decorations down on New Years Day or the day after...and leave the winter-related ones ( snowmen and such ) up for the duration of the winter. You are quite right about settling in and enjoying. That is basically THE NORM / not the Blogland rush......the NORM is for normal people lol...and how we live it :)

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  16. I loved this post, Deborah. Yes, let's enjoy the beautiful peace and calm after Christmas. Hugs to you!

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  17. I agree -- enjoy the season. I'm never in a hurry to pack up the decorations. I enjoy them, in peace, and avoid the crowds in the stores if at all possible!

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