Christmas

What it is

Christmas is the feast of the Nativity of Our Lord—and, more broadly, the season that proclaims the Incarnation after the waiting of AdventGlossaryThe four-week season preparing for Christmas—watching for Christ's coming in history, in grace, and at the end of time.. The Church keeps an octaveGlossaryAn eight-day liturgical celebration of a great feast, prolonging its joy and mystery through the following week.; traditionally Christmastide runs toward Epiphany (and in some calendars beyond). White vestments, the Gloria restored, and propersGlossaryThe variable prayers and chants of the Mass or Office assigned to a given day—introit, collect, readings, and the like. that name the Word made flesh.

What it is not

Christmas is not only December 25 as a cultural holiday. It is not exhausted by sentiment or gift exchange. It is not interchangeable with Advent: the Church first watches, then rejoices.

How a Catholic encounters it

Hear the MassGlossaryThe Church's central act of worship—the Sacrifice of Calvary made present, and the sacrament of Christ's Body and Blood. of Christmas—night, dawn, or day. Keep the octave: the feast is larger than one morning. Read John 1. Sing the Nativity hymns without irony. Give alms. Let the Child judge your pride.