Why Do We Celebrate St. Stephen's Day?

Continue the Christmas celebration with music, kindness, winter traditions, and remarkable customs from around the world!

Why do groups wearing enormous straw costumes march through Irish streets on the morning after Christmas? What connects Saint Stephen, a tiny wren, horse processions, cold-water swimming, and a famous Christmas carol? Why Do We Celebrate St. Stephen's Day? introduces young readers to the history and traditions of December 26.

In the Christian calendar, Saint Stephen is remembered as the first Christian martyr and one of seven people chosen to help distribute food to widows in the early church. Over time, his feast day became connected with fascinating customs throughout Europe and beyond.

Here is what you will discover inside:
• The Story of Saint Stephen: Learn about the generous helper described in the Book of Acts and discover why he became an important figure in Christian history.
• Christmas Continues: Find out why December 26 is the second day of Christmas and why the same date is called Boxing Day in Britain, Canada, Australia, and other countries.
• Ireland's Day of the Wren: Experience Lá an Dreoilín (The Day of the Wren), with straw-covered Wren Boys, painted masks, fiddles, drums, songs, and charitable collections.
• A Famous Christmas Carol: Discover the real ruler behind "Good King Wenceslas" and why the carol begins on the Feast of Stephen.
• Traditions Across Europe: Taste Catalan canelons, visit Italian nativity scenes, follow Scandinavian riders, and learn about horse blessings, sleigh rides, and family gatherings.
• Visual Delight and Fun Facts: Enjoy beautiful, minimalist colorful illustrations filled with straw costumes, decorated poles, church windows, horses, musicians, winter swimmers, and festive foods.

Perfect for families, classrooms, homeschoolers, and young cultural explorers, this book celebrates service, generosity, music, family, and the many ways Christmas traditions continue after December 25.

Grab your copy today and keep the Christmas celebration going!