The same thing happens to Father Kendall Harmon every year during the 12 days after the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
It happens with newcomers at his home parish, Christ-St. Paul’s in Yonges Island, South Carolina, near Charleston. It often happens when, as Canon Theologian, he visits other parishes in the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina.
“I greet people and say ‘Merry Christmas!’ all the way through the 12 days” of the season, he said, laughing. “They look at me like I’m a Martian or I’m someone who is lost. … So many people just don’t know there’s more Christmas after Christmas Day.”
Fun! I’ve never seen a Christmas tree bonfire. Allergies mean a fake tree for us, but our Christmas lights are lit until Epiphany, or even after. In southern Wisconsin, where it’s REALLY cold, people left their wreaths on their doors until Ash Wednesday.