Beginning at vespers on Christmas Eve, Christmastide celebrates the Nativity of the Lord and lasts until the Baptism of the Lord. It is a season of joy and celebration to mark the first coming of Christ and the gift of His birth for all of us. During this season we celebrate the feast of the Holy Family and do our best to spend time with our own families and loved ones. As we put away the Advent wreath we have the opportunity embrace many of the Christmas traditions that are rooted in faith and to reflect on the feasts of the season that reflect on the infant Jesus.

Click here for Christmastide Mass readings from the Liturgy Office including The Nativity of the Lord, The Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord.

Click here for a liturgy planner produced by the Society of Saint Gregory which includes the Masses of Christmastide, The Epiphany, The Baptism of the Lord and the first few Masses of Ordinary Time.

CAFOD Christmas Prayers

Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter on the first Nativity Scene (created by St Francis of Assisi) can be found here and an article highlighting many of the key details can be found here.

The 12 days of Christmas mark the days between Christmas Day and The Epiphany when we celebrate Christmastide. It is also the name of a popular Christmas Carol which has a hidden meaning, click here to find out more!

Did you know that the use of Christmas Trees during this season started with St Boniface? Watch this video to find out more!

The Origin of the Christmas Tree Tradition

For Christmastide resources from The God Who Speaks website, click here

For inspiration on Epiphany blessings for homes, that could be adapted for schools, click here.

Keep checking back here for Christmastide resources and let us know how you’ll be celebrating using the comments box below!