photo #8906869

In Appalachia, there are still coves and hollers where time is marked by the weather and the seasons. Where tradition still holds its rightful place in people’s lives. In these parts, folks still celebrate Old Christmas. Back in 1752, the English speaking world finally switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. But that didn’t mean everyone was going to go along with it. Many of the settlers of Appalachia were unaware of the switch. Others just refused to recognize it. For many, Christmas Day would remain firmly planted on January 6 instead of December 25. Old Christmas brought a sense of belonging and community to people who were otherwise cut off from the modern world. A sense of pride to an independent people who only rely on God, family and the sweat of their brow to get them through life. A sense of rest, that they didn’t have to get back to the hustle of life right after December 25 like the rest of the world. A true 12 days of Christmas. You might not know this, but bad luck will follow you if you take your decorations down before Old Christmas. Not only that, but if you listen close enough, you can hear the animals talking the night of Old Christmas, since it is the night of the Savior’s birth. Whether you have Appalachian roots or not, take the time today to pause and celebrate a centuries old tradition. Slow down and see what you might hear. Prepare your heart for the newborn king. Celebrate Old Christmas.