I've heard a few times about a holiday period referred to as "Little Christmas," and I'll never forget Judy Garland's rendition of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas." I think this either has something to do with New Yorkers or with the Catholics. Does this coincide with the Mexican celebration of "Los Tres Reyes?"
2006-09-28 07:09:36 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Other - Holidays
January 6th is the Epiphany, or Little Christmas, also known as 12th night (12 days after Christmas). It's when the wise men finally showed up, even though that was 3 years later. Men never have asked for directions. I think the song is just about Dec 25th. This is what I was taught, and I was raised Roman Catholic.
2006-09-28 07:18:34 · answer #1 · answered by marie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm not actually sure about the origin of that expression. But I am Catholic, and it is likely that it came from us somewhere along the line. I say that because our Christmas season lasts for about a month on the liturgical (mass/church) calendar.
First there's Advent, which is in anticipation of and preparation for Christmas. Then there's Christmas day. Then there are feast days and "Christmas week." Perhaps "little Christmas" refers to the post-Christmas day festivities. Our Christmas celebration technically lasts more than a week in the Catholic faith.
P.S. I love that song.
~*~*~*~*~
Yeah, annmarie has it right about the Epiphany. In our nativity scenes in the churches, the wise men are not moved into the stable until January 6th. I can't be sure if that's where the term "little Christmas" came from, but it's sure possible.
2006-09-28 07:20:05 · answer #2 · answered by Holly 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some places have a small celebration before Christmas. This has nothing to do with the song.
2006-09-28 07:17:37 · answer #3 · answered by doggiebike 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think Judy was singing that song as a rememberance of all her munchkin friends.
2006-09-28 07:19:00 · answer #4 · answered by Cookie 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
How long did it take you to think that one up?
2006-09-28 07:12:45 · answer #5 · answered by IdahoMike 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋