By Bishop Durrell Watkins, D.Min.

Did you know that Christmas isn’t really over until January? In the Western tradition, Christmas begins on December 25 and lasts for twelve days. Christmastide spans from December 25 through January 5, and January 6 marks the Feast of the Epiphany. The Epiphany tells the story of sages known as the Magi, who came from Persia (or some say India) to honor the Christ Child, whom they learned about through their astrological arts.

In the Eastern churches, such as the Coptic, Ethiopian, Russian, Greek, and Serbian Orthodox traditions, Christmas Day isn’t until January 7. This is because they use the Julian calendar, while the Western Church uses the Gregorian calendar. The Eastern churches also observe twelve days of Christmas, with their Christmastide spanning from January 7 through January 18.

While we are celebrating New Year’s Eve and making resolutions for the New Year, we can remember that we are entitled to nearly a week of Christmas at the start of January. If we follow Eastern traditions, we can celebrate Christmas until January 18!

If we wish for more carols, more feasting, and more thoughts of peace and joy—that is, if we want more Christmas—let’s give ourselves that gift. The traditions allow for it, and we may actually need a bit more Christmas right now.

Bishop Durrell Watkins, D.Min., is the Senior Minister of Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale and an Auxiliary Bishop for the Global Justice Institute. SunshineCathedral.org