Christmastide

Christmastide, or the Christmas season, is a period in many Western Christian liturgical calendars that follows Christmas Day. It centers on the celebration of the Incarnation and the birth of Jesus and runs for a set span depending on tradition. In common Western practice, Christmastide begins on December 25 and lasts until the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the Sunday after Epiphany; in some calendars it extends to Epiphany on January 6. The traditional Twelve Days of Christmas refer to December 25 through January 5, with Epiphany marking the season's end in other traditions.

During Christmastide, churches hold Christmas Mass or Divine Liturgy, festive readings from the Gospels, and carols. Nativity plays and feasts are common, and devotional practices may include daily prayers and the blessing of homes. The season is typically symbolized by white or gold vestments and by seasonal music and decorations, while Advent preceded it as a preparation for Christmas.

Etymology and history: The term derives from Old English Cristes mæs tid, meaning "the time of Christ's mass." In many Western churches, Christmastide has a long-standing place in the liturgical year, reflected in hymnody, liturgical colors, and feast days. Culturally, the period commonly blends religious observance with secular customs such as gift-giving, family meals, and festive decorations.

Regional practices vary: in some Eastern Christian churches, Christmas is celebrated on January 7 (Gregorian), and the length and endpoints of the season may differ accordingly. Nevertheless, Christmastide broadly denotes the festive portion of the Christmas cycle and culminates with Epiphany or Theophany depending on tradition.