The Christmas celebration traditionally lasted for 12 days from December 25 (Christmas Day) until January 6 (Epiphany). Epiphany commemorates the three wise men's visit to Jesus, according to the Christian bible. The 12-day feast reflected the winter festivals in Europe during pre-Christian times. The December 26 holiday is now all that remains of the long feast.
In the church calendar, December 26 is Saint Stephen's Day. Saint Stephen lived around the same time as Jesus. He was responsible for distributing aid and support to widows within the church community and was renowned for his preaching skills. He was tried for blasphemy and stoned to death.
Some Christians attend church on December 26 to mark Saint Stephen's Day. However, many people spend the second day of Christmas in much the same way as Christmas Day. They spend most of the day preparing and eating a large meal with family members or close friends. Many couples spend Christmas Day at one partner's parental home and the next day at the other's parental home. Others visit relatives such as grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews or nieces.
Other people plan a more active day and go for a walk or cycle ride in the countryside or along the coast, take part in sports competitions or visit a children's farm or a Christmas market. Christmas markets with mobile ice skating rinks are especially popular. Those who spend the day quietly may spend the evening attending the theater, a musical or the cinema. For some people, December 26 is the traditional day to depart to countries such as France, Austria, Germany, Switzerland or Italy for a winter vacation centered on skiing or snowboarding.
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