Page 17 - 2017-12-16_june_july_2009.qxd

When Is Christmas Celebrated 17

When Christmas is

Celebrated

Many people think Christmas is on December
the 25th and that's all there is to Christmas.
However, for many people around the world, in
different countries and in different Christian
traditions, Christmas lasts for a lot longer than
that - and it's even celebrated at different times!

When Christmas is Celebrated

Although December 25th is the date when most
people celebrate Christmas, there are some
other dates as well!
Some churches (mainly Orthodox
churches) use a different calendars for their
religious celebrations. Orthodox Churches in
Russia, Serbia, Jerusalem, Ukraine, Ethiopia
and other countries use the old 'Julian' calendar
and people in those churches celebrate
Christmas on January 7th.
Most people in the Greek Orthodox Candlemas - The End of Christmas and joy.
Church celebrate Christmas on December 25th. Have a Merry Christmas.
But some still use the Julian calendar and so You might think that Christmas ends when you
celebrate Christmas on 7th January! Some take the Christmas Decorations down - but it May the Christmas seasonfill your home
Greek Catholics also celebrate on January 7th. doesn't! After both Christmas and the season of with joy,your heart with love and your life
In Armenia, the Apostolic Church Epiphany, the end of the Christmas celebrations with laughter.
celebrates Christmas on January 6th. It also come on February 2nd, 40 days after Christmas,
celebrates 'Epiphany' on this day. with Candlemas. May the peace and blessings of Christmas be
Candlemas, also known as the yours;
Advent - The Time Before Christmas 'Presentation of Jesus at the Temple' or the And may the coming year be filled with
'Feast of the Purification of the Virgin (or happiness.
Before Christmas, many Christians use the time Mary)' is the when some Christians remember
of Advent to prepare themselves and get ready the time when Mary and Joseph took the baby With all Good Wishes for Christmas and the
to celebrate the joy of Christmas, when Jesus to the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem to give New Year.
Christians celebrate of the birth of Jesus, who thanks to God for giving them a son.
they believe is the Son of God. It's a very important day in some The gift of love.
Advent is normally a period of four Orthodox and Catholic churches. The gift of peace.
Sundays and weeks before Christmas. In many The name Candlemas comes from The gift of happiness.
Orthodox and Eastern Catholics Churches 'Candle Mass' because in many Candlemas May all these be yours at Christmas.
Advent lasts for 40 days, starting on November services, the candles are blessed to be used in
15th. churches during the coming year or are given A wish for peace and happiness
In Orthodox Churches which celebrate out to people for them to use in their homes and at Christmas and throughout the New Year.
Christmas on 7th January, Advent start on 28th private prayers.
November! In many Catholic churches, it's a time As you relish the goodies, decorate every
During Advent many people fast (don't when people remember and renew promises nook and corner of your home and enjoy the
eat certain foods). The types of food people give they've made to the church and celebrate some get-togethers...
up depends on their church tradition and where of the prophesies which were given about Jesus. May the joy and festivities continue to
in the world they live. In many Eastern/Orthodox churches, an radiate in your lives, long after Christmas is
all night vigil is held on the night before the gone.
After Christmas - The 12 Days of Christmas candle blessing ceremony. In the morning, the Merry Christmas!Happy New Year!
and Epiphany candles are blessed and are given out to people.
Christmas Greetings!
After Advent, traditionally, Christmas Favorite Christmas Card With many good wishes for Christmas and
celebrations (and often a feast!) started on Messages & Wishes the coming year.
Christmas Day and lasted for 12 Days - so they
were known as The 12 Days of Christmas! The Peace, good will and happiness for you at
celebrations finished on the evening of 5th May this Christmas end the present year on a Christmas and always.
January, which is better known as Twelfth cheerful note and make way for a fresh and
Night. bright New Year. May the peace and joy of Christmas be with
Throughout history, the 12 Days of Here’s wishing you a Merry Christmas and a you today and throughout the New Year.
Christmas were a time of feasting and fun. Happy New Year!
Following Twelfth Night, on 6th May the peace and joy of Christmas live in
January, is Epiphany, when people remember May the good times and treasures of the your heart all year long. []
the Wise Men (also sometimes called the Three present become the golden memories of
Kings) who visited Jesus when he was a baby; tomorrow. Craig West here, the producer of
and the Baptism of Jesus when he was an adult. Wishing you lots of love, joy and happiness.
Epiphany/Twelfth Night is also the time Merry Christmas! The ‘X’ Zone Radio Show with Rob
when it was traditional to take your Christmas McConnell, to each and everyone
decorations down - although some people leave May your Christmas sparkle with moments of out there, MERRY CHRISTMAS
them up until Candlemas. love, laughter and goodwill, and HAPPY NEW YEAR.
And may the year ahead be full of contentment