Christmas at home
Christmas is not just one day: the Church celebrates for a whole season, from Christmas Day to the Baptism of the Lord on 10 January 2027. Keep the crib, the tree and the carols going, and do one little thing each day.
The 12 days of Christmas
- 25 DecChristmas DayPut baby Jesus in the crib and sing “Happy Birthday, Jesus” before the cake.
- 26 DecSt StephenGive something away: choose a toy or a book to share with a child who has less.
- 27 DecSt John, ApostleJohn wrote “God is love”. Tell each person at dinner one thing you love about them.
- 28 DecThe Holy InnocentsBless the children at bedtime: trace a little cross on each forehead and pray for all babies.
- 29 DecFifth day of ChristmasRead the Christmas story from Luke 2 together and act it out with soft toys.
- 30 DecSixth day of ChristmasMake a card for someone who is spending Christmas alone, and drop it off.
- 31 DecSeventh day of ChristmasLast day of the year: say thank You to God for three good things from this year.
- 1 JanMary, Mother of GodStart the year with Mary: pray a Hail Mary together and ask her to look after our family.
- 2 JanNinth day of ChristmasDraw the star of Bethlehem and stick it on the window to guide the Wise Men.
- 3 JanTenth day of ChristmasMove the Wise Men a little closer to the crib, and talk about the gifts we can give Jesus.
- 4 JanEleventh day of ChristmasSing a carol at grace before each meal today.
- 5 JanTwelfth day of ChristmasIf you haven’t chalked the door yet, do the Epiphany house blessing below, and pray for everyone who visits our home.
The Epiphany house blessing
In Singapore we keep the Epiphany on Sunday 3 January 2027, when the Wise Men find Jesus. After Mass, take a piece of chalk and write this above the front door:
20 + C + M + B + 27
C, M and B are Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, the Wise Men. They also stand for Christus mansionem benedicat: “May Christ bless this house”. The crosses are for Jesus, and the numbers are the new year.
Our family prayer: Lord God, You showed Your Son to the Wise Men by the light of a star. Bless our home this year. Fill it with Your love and peace, and welcome everyone who comes through our door as we would welcome Jesus. Amen.