It's beginning to look a lot like ......
Photo © Rob Jones
OK so, it’s time to concede that Christmas is indeed just around the corner.
AMM started getting excited on June 22nd. but I have steadfastly ignored it until today. For several reasons…
Firstly - to discourage AMM in her maddening obsession.
Secondly - because I woke this morning to find a layer of snow - which seems to have shocked people locally, especially since it’s been shorts weather until last week.
Thirdly because I had to nip into Truro this morning to get my flu vaccination, trudging through the sleet and snow in the town centre to get it. Ameliorated by a very messy Hot Chocolate - though the maker did apologise. I accepted the apology.
Photo © Rob Jones
Fourthly - because the shops are playing back-to-back Christmas songs.
And fifthly because on my return to Falmouth it was ‘Switching on the Christmas Lights’ night.
But …
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves…
Advent isn’t until 3rd December. This kicks off the period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Or … it’s the traditional time the BBC children’s programme Blue Peter used coat hangers to make a fire hazard using a couple of coat hangers, some tinsel and candles.
Sinterklaas comes on the 5th of December. This is when Saint Nicholas arrives by ship, with his controversial helpers (look it up) and rides on his white-grey horse over the rooftops at night, delivering gifts through the chimney to the well-behaved children. Yay.
The Feast of Christmas doesn’t start until 4pm on Christmas Eve, which explains why so many people have their family dinner on the 24th. You shouldn’t have your tree up till now, is my firm opinion.
25th Dcember is THE Day - A date chosen by Pope Julius I in 350 AD, though it didn’t become a major festival till the 9th century. NORAD - the North American Aerospace Defense Command - tracks Father Christmas as he travels the world delivering presents.
Epiphany (Twelfth Night) is on 6 January. Decorations and tree down. This is 'Fiesta de Los tres Reyes Magos,' The Three Kings Festival in Spain.
Armenian Apostolic Church and the Armenian Evangelical Church celebrates the same day.
Most Oriental Orthodox and part of the Eastern Orthodox churches celebrate on the 8th January
And Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem marks the day on the 19th of January.
But contrary to popular belief, the Christmas season actually continues right through to Candlemas on the 2nd February.
But in no way is this permission for AMM to keep celebrating Christmas until the beginning of February.
But I bet she will.
R.
