The Epiphany of the Lord, celebrated on the 12th day of Christmas, invites families to reflect on the universal mission of Christ, symbolized by the visit of the Magi who journeyed from afar to honour the newborn King.
This sacred celebration highlights how Jesus was revealed as the Messiah to all nations, reminding us of His call to unity and love. Gather as a family to celebrate this day, embracing traditions, crafts, or activities that help every member of the family honour this special feast day.
Home Blessing
Participating in the tradition of blessing your home on Epiphany is a cherished practice. This involves marking the door with chalk and inscribing the initials of the Magi (C+M+B) along with the year (e.g., 20+C+M+B+25). This practice symbolizes the blessing of Christ in the home and serves as a reminder of His presence throughout the year. The initials CMB can also be interpreted to mean Christus mansionem benedicat or “May Christ bless this dwelling.”
Epiphany Feast
Prepare a special meal to enhance the celebration. Incorporate traditional foods associated with the Epiphany, such as a King Cake, popular in many cultures. Hide a small figurine or token inside the cake, and the person who finds it can be crowned "king" or "queen" for the day, symbolizing the Magi’s recognition of Christ as King. You can also serve dishes inspired by the regions the Magi might have travelled through, such as Middle Eastern or Mediterranean cuisine.
Gift Exchange
In some cultures, the Epiphany is a time for gift-giving, reflecting the gifts brought by the Magi: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Exchange small gifts or tokens of appreciation as a family, emphasizing generosity and love. Consider giving faith-based gifts, such as a devotional book or a handmade craft.
Charitable Acts
Honour the spirit of the Epiphany by engaging in acts of charity. Organize a collection for those in need, donate to a local shelter, or participate in a community service project. This reflects the call to share Christ’s light with others, just as the Magi shared their treasures.
Crafts and Activities
Engage in creative activities that symbolize the Epiphany. These activities provide a fun way for kids to connect with the story.
Star of Bethlehem - Create stars using cardboard, glitter, and string. Hang them around your home as a reminder of the guiding star.
Crown-Making - Decorate paper or cardboard crowns with stickers, gems, and markers for kids to wear, representing the Magi.
Magi Figurines for Nativity Scenes - Use clay, paper mache, or craft sticks to make your own Magi figurines to add to your nativity.
Attend Mass
Participating in a liturgical celebration of the Epiphany is central to the feast. Attend Mass as a family to engage in communal worship and reflect on Christ’s manifestation to the world. In the Diocese of Victoria, the Feast of the Epiphany is always celebrated during Sunday Mass—this year, it falls on January 5, 2025.
Go Star-Gazing
If the weather permits, bundle up and head outside to look at the stars. Reflect on how the Magi followed the Star of Bethlehem to find Jesus. This quiet activity can inspire awe and gratitude for God’s creation.
Sing Epiphany Songs
Music is a wonderful way to celebrate the feast! Sing traditional carols like “We Three Kings,” “The First Noel,” or “Star of Wonder” together.
By incorporating some of these traditions and activities, your family can deepen its understanding of the Feast of the Epiphany and its message of light and revelation. Choose a few activities that resonate with your family, and enjoy this special day together!
