Hey there,
When I was growing up, our Christmas decorations never appeared before December 13th. I remember the date so vividly because it’s my birthday. Only after that day would we pick out our live tree, string lights on the house, and hang our stockings.
As a kid, the first half of December was all about my birthday, and the second half shifted to Christmas. And honestly … most families I knew waited that long too.
So as an adult, it took some real mental gymnastics to start decorating right after Thanksgiving. It felt like suddenly I had to share my stretch of December with Christmas.
Eventually, I caved to the cultural rhythm and joined the Thanksgiving-weekend decorating crowd.
But now I’m realizing I may need to rethink this whole timeline.
The more I’ve learned about the true meaning of Advent and Christmas, the more I’ve discovered that Advent is meant to be a season of preparing our hearts for Christ … both His birth and His return. And that preparation isn’t really about gifts, garlands, or cookie trays. Advent is actually a penitential season, much like Lent: a time for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
I’ll be the first to admit I haven’t approached Advent that way before. But it’s never too late to begin again.
So in this week’s issue of Genuflect, we’re exploring the real meaning of Advent and Christmas … their purpose, how we can prepare well, and the beautiful traditions we might consider adopting.
We may not be able to stop the commercialization of Christmas, but we can reshape how we experience it. And I know I have some work to do.
Also, heads up that Monday, December 8, is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It’s a Holy Day of Obligation, so be sure you know when your parish’s Mass times are.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
P. S. Be sure to check out our Genuflect Liturgical Calendar. You can bookmark the page for future reference and even add it to your online calendar.
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All About Advent And Christmas
Advent and Christmas are two separate liturgical seasons and here’s a thorough FAQ for each of them. You’ll find timing, meaning, traditions, music, and much much more. Enjoy!
Resources For Liturgy And Prayer For The Seasons of Advent And Christmas | Catholic Resources
Advent Prepares us For Christmas
Our secular world starts celebrating Christmas by Thanksgiving (if not before). But in the Catholic Church, Christmas doesn’t begin until Dec. 25th. Brother Silas Henderson explains that if we’re merely looking forward to the birth of Our Lord during Advent, then Advent and Christmas won’t really have much meaning. Here’s what you need to know.
Preparing For The Light of Christmas in The Darkness of Advent | Aleteia
Proper Celebration Ideas
So how should we Catholics prepare for Christmas? Here are some ideas from Peter Stravinskas. You may not be able to do all of them, but you may find something in here that you want to make a new Advent or Christmas tradition.
How to Recapture a Proper Celebration of Advent And Christmas | Catholic World Report
More Ways to Celebrate
But wait, there’s more! Here are some more ideas for how you and your family can introduce new Catholic traditions to Advent and Christmas.
Catholic Traditions For Advent And Christmas | Catholic Culture
Celebrating Christmas After The 25th
Last year we looked at why and how to celebrate the Christmas season after December 25th. Check out these resources.
Why to Keep Celebrating Christmas After December 25th (And How) | Genuflect
The Immaculate Conception of The Blessed Virgin Mary
Every year on December 8th we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. That’s tomorrow … and it’s a Holy Day of Obligation so start making your plans now. 3 years ago we covered this feast day and the importance of Mary.
Praising Immaculate Mary | Genuflect
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Inspiration on Your Desktop And Phone
Click below to download this week’s free inspirational Christmas wallpaper for your desktop and your phone. Or download one of the previous wallpapers
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