Why Do Catholics Keep Celebrating Christmas When Everyone Else Has Stopped?
Is Christmas really over on December 26? Not for Catholics!
In this episode of "The Catholic Gentleman," John Heinen and Devin Schadt discuss the richness of Christmas traditions and how they improve everyone's lives. Here’s how we keep Christ at the center of the season—and why it’s worth the effort.
Why does Christmas last eight days (or more)?
We celebrate Christmas with an octave—a period of eight days where every day is treated like Christmas Day itself. Why? One day just isn’t enough to honor Christ’s birth!
“The Church is telling us in the Daily Office, the readings every day for Christmas, the feast days–we’ve got to do eight days!”
Christmastide even continues for a whopping 40 days, ending on February 2nd.
We live it joyfully for days, even weeks, because the mystery of Christ’s birth is that profound.
What makes the feast days during Christmastide so special?
The Church emphasized those who witnessed to Christ early on, especially in suffering.
“Why are we celebrating martyrs? Because they all point us to the eternal and everlasting reward—the goal and the purpose of life,” Heinen explains.
Their example keeps our focus on the Christ Child’s mission of salvation, reminding us that the Incarnation is inseparable from the Cross.
How do traditions bring the meaning of Christmas to life?
Whether it’s giving to a family in need or serving others in hidden ways, Catholic Christmas traditions call us to mirror God’s self-giving love through works of charity. Christ gave Himself entirely for us, and we are called to emulate that love.
"How can't I give to others this season? From the gratitude of what Christ has done, we really need to tap into that so that we can be generous during this season," Schadt says.
The gentlemen say that truly celebrating Christmas will be a blessing to your entire family!