It’s still Christmas. It wasn’t Christmas the day after Halloween or the day after Thanksgiving. No matter what the radio played or what shops looked like, it just wasn’t Christmas. It really wasn’t Christmas during those hectic weeks of parties and concerts, shopping, and cookie baking.

But now it’s Christmas, and Christmas sticks around for us as Catholics. We’re still celebrating Christmas today as we reflect on the Holy Family. New Year’s Eve and Day will be the Octave Day of Christmas (along with our celebration of Mary as Mother of God). Sunday celebrations of the Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord will still be Christmas.

So enjoy these Christmas days and feasts. Keep decorations up—the old legend was that we needed that tree in place until after the Magi left! Continue to connect with family and friends. Don’t stop worrying about the poor—before Christmas, they may have needed a gift for a child; after Christmas, they may well need food or shelter! Let the incarnate God inspire us every day to respect and care about the dignity of every human life.

While we’re still celebrating Christmas, don’t forget next Sunday’s Epiphany Open House at the Rectory. Stop by any time between noon and 3 p.m. Have something to eat and drink. Meet old friends and new. Do your part to make sure it’s still Christmas.