Sunday, December 14, 2014

WHEN DOES CHRISTMAS START & FINISH?

Each year I get a bit perturbed by the Christmas 'holiday'. We all have the good and bad memories of Christmases past. However that is not my present beef. I get upset with Christians, in general, and Catholics in particular, because no one, seems to know when Christmas actually starts (Christmas Day) and when it is over (Baptism of the Lord).

Most people; including Christians, seem to think Christmas starts on "Black Friday" the day after Thanksgiving and it ends the day after Christmas. The time people think is Christmas is actually closer to Advent. Advent is a time of preparation for the Christmas Holy Days. Years ago Advent, as a time of preparation, was more like Lent in fasting, alms-giving and prayer. Instead society has convinced everyone that Advent is a time for partying and is the actual Christmas Season. We Christians just bow to the merchandising and the goodies and celebrate for roughly a month before Christmas, ending on the day after Christmas.

I admit I am also responsible. I used to put up my tree and decorations a day or two before Christmas. Now I cave in usually a couple of weeks before. I try to do some Fasting, but truth be told, I do not accomplish much. So, in this article I am not trying to point a finger. I am merely trying to inform.
One year I was thinking about the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas". I started thinking there must be, at least, Twelve Days to Christmas. That would bring us from Christmas Day to The Epiphany (January 6). With a little research I found the liturgical season of Christmas ends with the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

Now to my beef. If I, or anyone for that matter, say  'Merry Christmas" to you the day after Christmas or even the week after Christmas you should not look at me like I just stepped off a spaceship, rather you should say a hearty Merry Christmas in return.

More importantly, we should not just skim over Advent with no effort. I always tell people who come to our Annual Catholic Charismatic Conference in Orlando (www.orlandocharismatic.net), that you get out of it what you put into it. Advent is part of our Liturgical Calendar for the Reason for the Season, that being Christ. To help draw us closer to Jesus Christ. Give an effort, attend daily Mass, a Parish Mission, receive The Sacrament of Reconciliation or give up something, maybe fruitcake for Advent. I hope your smiling. Make an effort and God's Grace will Anoint you.