Now that we are fully into December, the period of major holiday gatherings has arrived. When I was younger, these parties would be called “Christmas” or “New Years” parties but times change and the catch-all term of “Holiday” seems to suffice. No matter the title, it is a time to gather with others and celebrate joy where we can find it.
The practice of making merry in this winter time of shortened daylight hours dates back at least to the Medieval period (and even further) to mark various holidays. The original “Twelve Days of Christmas” were observed as both Christian holy days and times to celebrate with others. Some of those traditions survive to the present day while others have faded into distant memories. Even earlier were pre-Christian celebrations of the mid-winter when days were short and cold with few farming chores to be performed and there was hope of longer days to come.
The Medieval “Twelve Days” were preceded by the four-week Advent period, which was marked by fasting and prayer. This culminated with Christmas Eve and Christmas Day church services. At that point, the festivities began that lasted through Epiphany (January 6) and included the old Roman New Year. Each of the “Twelve Days” was dedicated to a saint or a specific remembrance which provided a wealth of reasons to celebrate.
After the prolonged austere period of Advent, the twelve days of feasting and celebrations were welcome. People joined together and partook of the best that they had to share. Food and drink flowed as freely as possible and all wished well to their friends and neighbors. These celebrations were also marked by singing and dancing as well as the sharing of spiced and (mildly) alcoholic beverages. Gifts were also exchanged and funds were collected to support the relief of the poor through the work of the parish church.
In the present day there is more of an emphasis on the celebrations and giving of gifts that on the significance of the holy days. Still, this remains a time to gather with friends, co-workers, family, and others to communally celebrate. These days become a time to remember our joys and to share them with those we care about. Enjoy this time of gatherings and perhaps remember some of the old traditions.