The Irish tradition has long been that on Nollaig na mBan, this final day of the busy Christmas season, women get to put their feet up and enjoy a day of socializing. In some versions of the tradition, men take over the household chores.

For the second straight year, Bethlehem’s Christmas celebrations will be somber and muted, in deference to ongoing war in Gaza.

Bell ringing has a rich history, integrated into daily and liturgical life year-round, a tradition being rediscovered and appreciated by anthropologists, academics, musicians and an increasing number of ordinary people.

That idea of “keeping Christmas” is an invitation and a challenge to consider what Christmas really means to us.

No one can manufacture Christmas, make Christmas magic. Christmas is not compelled by effort or technique. No, there is only Christmas grace.

What better way to celebrate Christmas than to have faith in things unseen, to find hope in a child.