Have you started taking down your holiday decorations? My parents always tossed their tree the day after Christmas — by that time Mom had grown tired of picking evergreen needles out of the carpet. Now that I have a home of my own, we tend to hold on to the tree a bit longer, as technically the season of Christmas continues another 12 days!

The Old English carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas" commemorates the traditional Christmas season, which extends from Dec. 25 (Christmas) through Jan. 5 (Epiphany). The second feast recalls three important events in the life of Christ: the Magi's visit, his baptism by John the Baptist and his first public miracle (turning water to wine at the wedding feast of Cana). For more history about the Twelve Days, check out this informative article on Christian History.

A couple of years ago, I was asked to write something for the St. Andrew benefit concert, which takes place around Epiphany each year. (The money raised at the concert benefits the St. Louis Boy’s Center, a residence for developmentally disabled adults.)

After doing a bit of research on around-the-world Christmas customs, I came up with this little poem. If you’d like a little more background on any of the traditions, I’ve posted explanatory notes of italicized words on my blog here. My kids enjoyed it — I hope yours do, too!

‘Tis the Season of Christmas

‘Tis the season of Christmas,
And since the Word became Man,
Every nation and culture
Has told the story most grand.

Posadas and crèches and szopkes abound,
And carolers make music, heard all the world ‘round.
In Ghana and Holland, Belize and Brazil
All gather together with joy and good will.

In the islands, the most festive carols are played
With singers and dancers in bright masquerade.
In Egyptian legend, a large cherry tree
Bent low to feed the dear Lord’s family.

In England, the “Holly” and “Ivy” entwine
As they worship the wonderful Child divine.
In Russia, a miserly old woman brings
To children the gifts she kept from the Three Kings!

Near the City of David, a star from the east
Still beckons to you, both the greatest and least.
In China, paper lanterns all beckon and gleam,
In Japan, feast on cakes with strawberries and cream.

Down under, Australia spells joy “barbecue”
As Saint Nick comes riding a large kangaroo.
And here in the States, land of plenty and more,
We stop from our labors, bow down, and adore.

The angels, ethereal; the shepherds, so lowly.
The Mother, so gentle; the Infant, so holy.
And as ornate Wise Men in tribute bend down,
“O Come, All Ye Faithful,” to Bethlehem Town!

Copyright 2008 Heidi Hess Saxton. Used with permission.

Heidi Hess Saxton is a contributing writer to the AnnArbor.com “Parenting” channel. The author of several books, she blogs at “Extraordinary Moms Network” and may be reached at heidi.hess.saxton@gmail.com.