Today is the Twelfth Day of Christmas — the Feast of the Epiphany celebrating the visit of the magi from the East tothe holy child Jesus.

In past centuries, today marked the end of the Christmas holiday.  On January 7th, it was back to ordinary life with the parties and feasting and entertainments over.

In many cultures, the Twelfth Night was celebrated with silly games and someone being selected as the Lord (or Lady) of Misrule, allowed to give everyone orders and tease without offense.

Still today, in many places, Epiphany is the day on which gifts are exchanged. When I was in Argentina two years ago, the shopping mall in Buenos Aires (home to a much needed Internet cafe) hosted a special exhibit in its center court:  throne for los Tres Reyos (the Three Kings).  Children would approach a king and tell him what they wanted the kings to bring on Epiphany.  I'm betting myrrh wasn't high on their lists!