Today is New Year's Day
Liturgically speaking, that is! The start of the Advent Season marks the start of the liturgical new year - so HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Not Christmas Yet!
This is NOT the start of the Christmas Season! This is Advent! Consider wishing friends and family a "Blessed Advent" for the next four weeks - the Christmas Season starts with the Christ Mass (hence the name of the season!) and lasts MINIMALLY through January 5th, as January 6th starts Epiphany (December 25-January 5 also marks the Twelve Days of Christmas) - HOWEVER - traditionally it is still "Christmastide" through Candlemas, which is February 2nd. So, in actuality, it is still proper to wish others a "Merry Christmas" from December 25th through February 2nd! Some may give you a funny look - but consider using this! You can use it as an ice-breaker to start in a conversation to witness the Faith and the traditions of the Church when they ask you why you would wish them a Merry Christmas after December 25th.
Advent Traditions:
Celebrating Advent through the use of the Advent Wreath:
The O Antiphons
Starting December 17 through Christ Mass Eve - consider a tradition of a "Jesse Tree" and hang ornaments for each of the O Antiphons. You all know these from the traditional hymn, "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" which the verses go through the O Antiphons. Click here for more info on the O Antiphons!
Please SHARE!
Please share this blog (use one or more of the links below for different social media) with others AND add a comment of what your Advent tradition(s) entail!
AMDG,
Scott<<<
On Nov. 2nd I posted: Advent is almost here! - Well, IT'S HERE NOW! Share your Advent traditions - or one you plan to start!
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