Hey there,
When I was growing up, we never put our Christmas decorations up until after Dec. 13th. I recall this so clearly because that’s my birthday. We always waited until after then to get our live tree, put our lights on our house, and hang our stockings with care.
I spent the first part of December anticipating my birthday, and then the second half celebrating Christmas. And you know what … pretty much everyone else waited that late too!
In fact, it took a lot of mental gymnastics for the adult me to start Christmas decorating right after Thanksgiving. After all, this required me to “share” my time with Christmas.
I eventually gave in to society’s pressure and began getting all my Christmas decor out Thanksgiving weekend. This year was no different.
So it’s too late now, but I’m beginning to think I should rethink my timing next year.
That’s because as I’ve dug more into the true meaning of Advent and Christmas, I see that for us Catholics, Advent is a time to prepare for Jesus (His birth and second coming). And that preparation is not about buying gifts, decorating, and baking. Advent is a penitential season like Lent! You know Lent … praying, fasting, and almsgiving.
I’ll be the first to admit I haven’t treated Advent this way in the past. But it’s never too late to change!
So this week’s issue of Genuflect reflects on the true meaning of the Advent and Christmas seasons, everything we need to know and understand about them, how to prepare properly for Christmas, and Catholic traditions we may want to begin.
We can’t single handedly stop society’s commercialization and secularization of Christmas. But we can change the way we approach it in our heart. I for one have some work to do.
Also, heads up that tomorrow 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.
genuflect: sponsor
genuflect: resources
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
genuflect: bonus
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
Download for Desktop Download for Phone
genuflect: sharing
Please use these buttons to share this issue of Genuflect with your friends, family, and followers who may be interested. Thank you!
