This year, Advent is only 3 weeks and one day. The Fourth Sunday of Advent is celebrated only during the morning and then in the afternoon it becomes Christmas Eve.
Regrettably for many, we tend to leap directly from Thanksgiving into the feasting of Christmas with our cookie baking and swaps, tree decorating, and buying gifts. We are so busy getting ready for Christmas we don’t appreciate the tranquility of Advent. Sadly, we prepare every which way for Christmas except spiritually.
In her infinite wisdom, the Church knew we needed to set aside a time of quiet waiting, a period of prayerful reflection before the feasting of Christmas arrives. Each year Advent with its beautiful Scripture readings, especially from Isaiah the Prophet, the sacred music, the poetry gets lost in the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations.
In our country, families may have an Advent wreath in their homes; maybe they light the candle signifying the week of waiting, or use an Advent calendar. However, various Advent traditions are still celebrated throughout the world today.
Virtually every country in the world has their Advent customs. Taken together, it contributes a fuller picture of the beauty and meaning of Advent.
For example in Scandinavia and Italy, they celebrate St. Lucy. Her feast day is December 13. “Santa Lucia” is considered the “saint of light,”
Traditionally, the oldest girl in the household will arise early in the morning on this feast day and dress as St. Lucy, wearing a white dress with red sash and a crown on her head with candles. She then presents pastries, such as cinnamon rolls and cookies, to the rest of the family. While feasting, the family sings hymns together in her honor of Christmas. In the darkness of this time of year, St. Lucy reminds us of the true, lasting light. You can recreate this celebration in your own way quite easily, either adopting all or some of the traditional practices.
And, of course, St. Nicholas’s feast day on December 6th. Our version of Santa Claus originated from this benevolent bishop-saint, who was said to have been a miracle worker during his lifetime in fourth century Asia Minor (now Turkey). The way people celebrate Dec.6th differs, ranging from young Polish boys dressing up as bishops and begging for money to give to the poor to receiving a small gift under one’s pillow (Ukraine) or in one’s shoe (a Dutch tradition). Celebrating St. Nicholas Day is an opportunity to teach our children about the real “Santa Claus”.
Originating in Spain, Las Posadas is a nine-day celebration primarily held in Mexico. It is a reenactment of the Holy Family being rejected for a place to stay. Two people dress up as Our Lady and St. Joseph as they traveled to Bethlehem while several houses are designated as stopping points along the way. Only one of these houses is the “inn,” where Mary and Joseph are welcomed with hymns and a lighted candle in the window. Onlookers follow the couple, carrying poinsettias and accompanied by musicians. Sometimes live animals are used; people dress up as angels and shepherds. Many parishes with a large Spanish-speaking population offer this reenactment in the parish neighborhood, followed by fellowship and feasting.
In many South American countries, families will recite a set of Advent prayers during the nine days before Christmas. Your family can adopt all of these beautiful customs as well. Have a prayerful Advent, so that when Christmas does arrive, you won’t be tired of “the whole Christmas thing”.
Remember:
Christmas Day is the beginning of 12 days of celebrations, not the end!