“On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me…” Most of us know about the partridge, the golden rings, and all kinds of birds, musicians and gentry, but how many of us truly celebrate twelve days of Christmas? Personally, I can only afford the one, but for many Christians, the Christmas season actually starts on December 25th to celebrate the birth of Christ, and ends on another day of religious celebration known as the Epiphany, 12 days later on January 6th. This holy day, also known as The Feast of Epiphany or The Adoration of the Magi, signifies the day that the Three Kings (wise men or magi), found the Christ-child after following the brightest star to Bethlehem, and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. It was the night of His baptism and manifestation to the world.
Although true followers of the tradition give small gifts throughout the twelve days, January 6th is the last day of Christmas, and comes with its own set of rituals, symbols and traditions. Some see it as a day of prayer, or a day to thoroughly clean and bless their homes. Some celebrate with family and friends, and take down their trees in the same festive fashion that others may do when trimming the tree. I see the Epiphany as a meaningful and timely alternative to the usual New Years Day Brunch.
For so many of us who find ourselves moving with the retail and commercial tides, the buildup to Christmas starts well before Thanksgiving, and the pressure doesn’t end until days after Santa comes and goes. Entertaining on New Years Day is a fine tradition, but taking an extra week to breath and recoup may be a welcome opportunity to start a new tradition in a way that honors the real meaning of the holiday season.
This year, host your first Epiphany Brunch!
Menu #1:
Fresh fruit salad with a splash of Amaretto
Quiche pies with fresh Italian herbs, cheeses, and prosciutto
Honey ham
Assorted muffins
Mimosas (champagne and orange juice)
Menu #2
Fresh berry salad with yogurt dressing
Stuffed French toast with blueberry sauce
Potato omelets with bacon and white cheddar
Warm French bread
White wine spritzers (Pinot Grigio, seltzer, and fresh sliced orange, strawberries, or lemon)
Menu #3
Shrimp salad with avocado, cilantro and lime
Smoked Salmon
Poached eggs with herbed Hollandaise sauce
Hash brown potatoes
Assorted breads and bagels
Lemonade steeped with mint leaves, clove and Angostura bitters
Have a Happy New Year, a Blessed Epiphany and a Partridge in a Pear Tree!!
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