Reply #43: Yes, that's the old Catholic custom.

[Bridget Burke]

The four weeks before Christmas are Advent--sort of a mini-Lent. Some celebrations happen during that season--but you aren't supposed to get bored with Christmas too soon. After midnight mass the baby Jesus appears; then, the 12 days of Christmas begin. Epiphany is "Twelfth Night"--the traditional date for celebrating the 3 Wise Men. (Of course, the Gospels indicate they were Persian Astrologers. But I like the Medieval Multicultural Three Kings.) Some don't add them to the creche until then.

After 12th Night, Carnaval begins. In Texas, Louisiana Catholics hang out the Mardi Gras flag when they take down the Nativity Scene. And serve up the King Cakes.

But, surely, cats are OK? Didn't they have barn cats back then?