It’s easy to overlook the birthday boy in the festivities of Christmas Day. When our children were little, we would have a birthday cake for Jesus to help them more readily relate to this significant feast. And yes, sometimes we even sang “happy birthday” to Jesus!
But Christmas is more than a day, albeit an important one—it’s the beginning of a season that lasts 12 whole days, hence the popular Christmas carol. Here are twelve ways, over twelve days, to celebrate Christ’s birth.
Day 1: 26 Dec | St Stephen
A deacon in the early church, Stephen is revered as the first Christian martyr. The scriptures record St Paul (before his conversion) watching as Stephen was stoned to death. To commemorate, do something with stones today—a stone skipping competition or decorate some stones with a crown (the meaning of his name).
Day 2: 27 Dec | St John the Apostle
As the “beloved disciple” and author of the fourth Gospel, John’s writings express his intimacy and affection for Christ. Make sure you tell someone you love them today.
Day 3: 28 Dec | Feast of the Holy Innocents
A day to remember the innocent victims of King Herod. Pray today for all children, preborn and born, who have lost their lives.
Day 4: 29 Dec | Feast of the Holy Family (Sunday)
A day to honour the family of Jesus. Get a family photo taken today or call a distant relative.
Day 5: 30 Dec | St Thomas Beckett
When he resisted King Henry II’s tyrannical demands of the church, Thomas was murdered by the King’s knights in Canterbury Cathedral of which he was Archbishop (29 December, 1170). Light a candle today and pray for your local bishop.
Day 6: 31 Dec | St Pope Sylvester I
As the pope during the reign of Constantine, Sylvester baptised the Roman emperor after his conversion. As he is often depicted binding the mouth of a dragon, play a dragon game or watch a dragon movie together.
Day 7: 1 Jan | Mary, Mother of God
Skip the midnight party and have a dawn one instead. As the sun rises on the New Year, pray a Marian prayer and make your resolutions.
Day 8: 2 Jan | Sts Basil the Great & Gregory Nazianzen
As founders of the monastic movement in the Eastern Church, Basil and Gregory modelled simplicity of living. Today is the day to do a clean-up; pass your unused goods to charity and declutter your home.
Day 9: 3 Jan | Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus
In Jewish tradition, babies are given a name on the eighth day after birth and the boys are circumcised. Look up the meaning of your name and pray in the name of Jesus for a special intention.
Day 10: 4 Jan | St Elizabeth Ann Seton
As a young widow and mother, Elizabeth converted to the Catholic faith and founded a school to educate her children as well as the poor of Baltimore. Do something educational with the family today—visit a museum or watch a documentary.
Day 11: 5 Jan | St John Neuman
While serving as the Archbishop of Philadelphia, John established an extensive Catholic school system, was an advocate for peace, and was able to hear confessions in six languages. Learn to say “The Peace of Christ be with you” in another language today.
Day 12: 6 Jan | The Epiphany
The Epiphany (meaning “appearance, manifestation”), recalls the visit to the baby Jesus by the Magi (learned men from the East). Mark the end of the Christmas season with a traditional house blessing and chalking your door.
It might be the world’s biggest birthday party, but too often, Christmas flashes past with little thought given to Jesus—the saviour whose birth we celebrate. This year, make him present in your home and family all season long.
Francine & Byron Pirola are the co-founders of SmartLoving and Cath Family.
