Today’s JusJoJan prompt is “Gregorian.” It was offered by my friend Willow, who publishes one of my favorite blogs, WillowDot21.

For me, “Gregorian” is a reminder that my family celebrates Christmas twice. Once on December 25th, in observation with most Christians in the U.S., and again on January 7th with Orthodox Christians whose church never adopted the Gregorian Calendar.

I grew up in a family that was split along religious lines, and I still have family celebrating Christmas on January 7th, so I will celebrate with them.

I believe one of the fundamental benefits of living in the United States is the freedom to practice your faith — whether or not it’s the same as my faith. Some of my ancestors came to America specifically for this freedom and, among many other things, my father fought to protect that freedom.

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Bridge to Nowhere

69 responses to “Christmas is Coming – JusJoJan”

  1. I did not know that Christmas in the Orthodox church was the 7th; I always thought it was the 6th. I am so reluctant to take down Christmas things that I tell myself I should leave them up until “Little Christmas” (which isn’t so little at all), and now you’ve given me another day! Thank you! And I hope you have a lovely celebration on the 7th. Two traditions, twice the meaning.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I thought it was the 6th for a long time, as well. One more day, Maureen. Our Christmas tree is still up, and will be lit on Sunday.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Mine is still up and lit up! Sourdough toast by Christmas tree light? Does life get any better?

        Liked by 2 people

  2. Our contractor converted to Orthodox when he married the daughter of a minister and we were just talking about this the other day. They wear their wedding rings on the right hand and he’s currently fasting. To be honest he’s not a big fan of that faith’s restrictions but he loves his wife.
    😉

    Liked by 2 people

    1. My grandmother would always have us over for dinner during the fasts, and while there was no meat of dairy on the table, her meals were always delicious.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Our contractor is having serious bacon withdrawals …
        😉

        Like

  3. Your headline definitely piqued my curiosity, Dan, and I learned something from your post. A merry upcoming second Christmas to you and yours!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Dave. It seemed appropriate for the prompt.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Yes, freedom to believe and worship as we choose is fundamental.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Jennie, for echoing that.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. You are welcome, Dan. It deserves echoing.

        Liked by 1 person

  5. Orthodox, Byzantine, Russian, Coptic, and so on. I think there is a date and a rite/ tradition for many regions of the globe. And anything that makes this time of peace and good will last a wee bit longer works for me.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I agree, John. It works for me, too.

      Liked by 1 person

  6. How wonderful, Dan. You have shown your respect for your family with this post! ENJOY!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks GP. I owe so much to those people. It’s the least I can do.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. I agree Dan we are so lucky that we both live in countries where we can express our religious and other beliefs and I pray that lasts .
    Thank you for your kind words. …Lucky you getting double dips at Christmas….as my mum would say “God help your tummy” have a great day 💜💜

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Willow, for the prompt and for that wish. I get an extra week before watching what I eat. I do hope our freedoms last. I never expected them to be in danger, but you never can tell.

      Liked by 2 people

  8. My ancestor came here for the same reason long ago and I count my blessings that he made that journey.
    This is a beautiful tribute to your family and traditions.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Deborah. These are the blessings we can’t forget. Honoring the traditions is easy by comparison to the journeys they made.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Here in Spain, they celebrate the season on January 6th, Ephinay or Kings Day as it is called here. That is the day the Three Kings bring gifts for the children. There is a big parade the night before and a feast on January 6th. Of course, due to the influence of TV etc., the children get things from “Santa Claus” on December 25th now too. So, like you, they get two Christmases. Win-win for the kids! Enjoy your second Christmas.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Darlene. There are a few cities around here that have celebrations on Kings Day. It’s a nice way to remember the meaning of Christmas.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Ginger Salvatore Avatar
    Ginger Salvatore

    Same in our family Dan. Our son-in-law is Greek Orthodox and he and our daughter brought our granddaughter up in the Greek Orthodox Church. So we’re used to celebrating Christmas and Easter twice.

    This is a big world. There is plenty of room for all of us and all our differences, which aren’t so different really. Freedom of religion is just one of the many freedoms this country offers. We should be honoring and respecting it, not tearing it down. Ginger 💞

    Sent from my iPad

    >

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You are so right, Ginger, about honoring and respecting our freedoms.

      I remember celebrating both Easters in grand style once, when the Orthodox Easter and our Easter fell on the same day. My father took us to the midnight service at his church. Afterwards, we went to his sister’s for a huge breakfast celebration. We left there and went to Sunrise Service at my mother’s church before coming home to our Easter baskets.

      I hope you’re staying warm today, and this new year is treating you well.

      Like

  11. Ah, Dan. Your title gave me a start because I thought you’d read about my submission to Reedsy’s contest. I see now that you haven’t, and that your post was about Christmas coming twice for you. (That’s cool too!) Anyway, I was planning to write about the other in today’s post, so I’ll keep you waiting a few moments longer. 😉

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You’ve certainly piqued my curiosity, Kim. I’ll be looking for your post.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Sadly Dan we never know what is around the corner! We just need to keep our eyes and ears alert . Enjoy your second Christmas 🎁

    Liked by 2 people

    1. We must be vigilant, Willow. I wish that wasn’t the case.

      Liked by 2 people

  13. Culturally in Denver (in terms of secularity), Christmas lights typically remain until after The National Western Stock Show ends on January 21. It gives the otherwise drab winter landscape a spot of festiveness. I generally put away the indoor decor away over New Year’s but leave the lights up. Did you know the person who created outdoor lighting was an electrician from Denver who gerry-rigged the first string for his sick son? Enjoy your second Christmas celebration. 🎄

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I didn’t know that, but it makes me smile. Thanks!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. 😁 Excellent, my work for the day is done. I was going to do a post on that but was so behind on holiday prep I completely spaced it out. Maybe next year.

        Liked by 1 person

  14. Wishing you Christmas blessings in abundance, Dan! I also appreciate the religious freedom in the US and decry all those who dismiss or denigrate another’s spiritual/religious tradition or lack thereof. You are right to counsel vigilance. There is a frightening amount of intolerance and bigotry these days.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Joanne. The thought that we could lose some of these fundamental freedoms is scary.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Learning different religious practices at such a young age is a wonderful thing. The Catholic church, I think, tends to be way to strict. One of my older son’s classmates shocked her family when she balked about receiving Confirmation. She had questions. The age to be confirmed was later changed, and I don’t know if she ever received the sacrament. It is great that both your parents contributed to your religious education.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It was always interesting to see the differences. I also had a change to attend services with friends, and I realized that there are so many ways of worshiping, that there can’t be just one right way.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Double Christmas. Keep celebrating, Dan. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

  17. I grew up with two Christmases too, Dan. The Dutch Sinterklaas in early December, and the US Christmas. I hope you had a great Christmas and I wish you a wonderful Christmas. As well as the start of a happy, healthy, creative new year in between.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Diana. I will have to read more about Dutch Sinterklaas. I hope you have a wonderful year.

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Many years ago, I visited Madonna House in Combermere, Ontario Canada. My strongest memory is of the Icons that adorned the walls and standing during much of the Mass. The Gregorian chant was extraordinary. There are differences in how some of us worship, but if Love is at its core, I feel at home. ❤️

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think you ar exactly right, Gwen. Thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. I have some friends who observe Orthodox holidays, and as a result I am happy to “extend” my “spirit” with them. And absolutely, one of the featured benefits of being in the USofA is the ability to practice and observe whatever beliefs we choose. These freedoms should never be taken for granted.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It’s so true, Bruce. We should not take them for granted. Respect and tolerance are such easy roads to take in these situations. These freedom sit at our country’s core.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Interesting about Orthodox Christians. I didn’t that they didn’t adopt the Gregorian calendar.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. For religious timing. They do observe the current date. They also determine when Easter will be in a different manner. In this case, I actually think they have a more accurate method as Easter should never be celebrated before Passover. Of course, no one asked me for my opinion.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thank you for the additional information, Dan.

        Liked by 1 person

  21. THAT is something worth fighting for! Merry Christmas.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It is, Pam. It’s why (Americans) are here in the first place, but too many people forget that.

      Liked by 1 person

  22. How can two Christmas’s possibly be bad, Dan? It means you get to extend the holiday season while many people (not me) have already taken down their tree and decorations. I say “cheers” to that and have a wonderful second Christmas!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Mary. We enjoy both days! Our tree will still be up.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. I can imagine it to be nice not having to let goof Christmas on December 26.😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It feels good to spread the celebration out and still feel the spirit of Christmas.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Like a sweet echo…

        Liked by 1 person

  24. Two Christmases is wonderful, Dan, and a perfect way of honoring family. I hope your first Christmas was delightful and your second will be the same.

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks Janet. We had a very nice Christmas last week, and Sunday should be nice. This one might even be a white Christmas.

        Liked by 1 person

  25. I knew the Orthodox Christians had a different date for Christmas, but didn’t know what it was. Thanks for sharing this! May 2024 bless you and your family, Dan!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you enjoyed this, Kirt. I hope you and your family have a wonderful year, too.

      Liked by 1 person

  26. Very interesting Dan. I had no idea there was another Christmas for Orthodox Christians.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Some Orthodox churches have adopted December 25th, Wayne, but many hold to the traditional date (January 7th).

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I’ve learned something new today ☺️

        Liked by 1 person

  27. Yes, the two calendars. My brother-in-law is Greek Orthodox so I actually do know about it (not that he celebrates twice…)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I know some Greek Orthodox celebrate Christmas now on 12/25. But I’m guessing his Easter is different (most years),

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Yes, it often is different than ours. I miss his father because he would cook the lamb on the spit. My mouth waters thinking of it.

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        1. Mmmmm, I remember my dad roasting a leg of lamb.

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          1. My mother hates lamb so we never had it growing up. My first taste was at a mechoui with a former boyfriend up at his friends. Oh. My. Goodness. And then my sister married the Greek and we started having Greek Easter. Since then? Love it!!

            Liked by 1 person

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