… The magi, as you know, were wise men–wonderfully wise men–who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger. They invented the art of giving Christmas presents. Being wise, their gifts were no doubt wise ones, possibly bearing the privilege of exchange in case of duplication. And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest. O all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the magi. – O. Henry
Today is the Feast of the Three Kings (Gaspar, Melchior and Balthazar), Little Christmas, the Epiphany etc. This day actually marks the beginning of the season of Epiphanytide, known as the Octave of Epiphany, and runs from January 6-13.
If you’re playing the home version of the game – the Gifts of the Magi were Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh (or the watch fob and a set of combs, or more obscurely, cigar box and soap dish would have been an acceptable answer.) But the fourth gift was, the gift of music,
Remember, if you find the coin (or baby Jesus) in the Three Kings Cake (Rosca de Reyes),
besides having good luck for the upcoming year, you have to buy next year’s King’s Cake and if you celebrate it, throws a party on Candlemas (or Mardi Gras) in February.
There are those who know and those who don’t know. And for every ten thousand who don’t know there’s only one who knows. That’s the miracle of all time–the fact that these millions know so much but don’t know this. – Carson McCullers
In New York, in East Harlem, the annual parade celebrating the Three Kings’ Day tradition for 46 years will be held today. The parade once again is in person and features camels, colorful puppets and floats. For those of you not fortunate enough to be able to attend, the Museum of El Barrio will hold their virtual celebrations, hosted by Miss YaYa Vargas. It will include musical performances, festive skits, cameos by their famous giant puppets, and saludos from this year’s honorees.
An artist’s duty is rather to stay open-minded and in a state where he can receive information and inspiration. You always have to be ready for that little artistic Epiphany. – Nick Cave
After you finish celebrating, take the damn decorations down. (There are others, however, whose traditions stubbornly dictate keeping decorations up until Candlemas on February 2, which is the Feast of the Purification and the Feast of the Presentation. Avoid visiting them at all cost.)
If you haven’t already, please start putting your Christmas trees curbside (remember that most of a pine tree is actually edible.)
And yet, do you really want wood chips lodged in your colon for most of the year?
This year, the Department of Sanitation’s special collection period – the 2022 Christmas Tree Collection will run Friday, January 6 through Friday, January 14. Or, if you prefer to watch your tree get chopped up at one of the designated MulchFest chipping locations on Saturday, January 7 and Sunday January 8 (in NYC.)
Demand Euphoria!
The Haus of Dcaligari 