As far as I know, Candlemas is tied to the ancient celebration of Imbolc, which is a "cross-Quarter" celebration (between a Solstice and an Equinox) in the British Isles. It's date floats around in the beginning of February, but is most often connected to Feb. 2nd. In the U.S., Ground Hog Day is connected with it. Candlemas was the Catholic "interpretation" of Imbolc and was said to be 40 days after the birth of Jesus. That being the traditional time when a woman would be pure enough to re-enter the Jewish temple. (Mary being the woman in question - hence the alternate name of Candlemas - the Repurification of Mary) By the way, if Jesus had been a girl (imagine that!) Mary would have had to wait 80 days to reenter the temple.

That being said, i don't know if my Santee has opened his present yet...