Getting Into the Christmas Spirit

Sometimes getting into the holiday spirit can be a real struggle.  For some, it might be the loss of a loved one that makes this time of year more difficult.  For others, it might be the stress of finding that perfect gift, or even finding a way to pay for said perfect gift.  And, for those like me, it might be not having a special someone to spend the holidays with.  I have a serious love-hate-relationship with all those romantic Hallmark movies, as they can make me feel even more lonely than usual.  In the past, I would have tried to ease my pain by indulging in more sweets or wine, buying things for myself, or even trading in my coveted rom coms for thriller movies.  But, these are just small fixes to feel good right at this moment.

So, this year, I’ve decided to focus on preparing for, and celebrating the true meaning of Christmas… the birth of our Savior, Jesus.  Sure, I’m still going to be physically prepared with my perfectly wrapped presents, and trays of cookies.  But, this year I’m also going to be spiritually prepared, and just knowing that gives me a greater sense of peace. 

The season of Advent starts on Sunday, December 3^rd this year, and will last four Sundays, ending on December 24^th.  We are called to prepare through an increase in prayer, fasting, and good works, in order to be ready to receive Christ in three different areas, including His birth, the coming of Christ in our lives through grace in the sacrament of Holy Communion, and lastly in His coming at the end of time.


Here are some ways I’m spiritually preparing for Christmas:

Fasting – I’m not really a good at fasting in the traditional sense, as I eat a lot of small meals all day long.  But, in the Lenten season prior to Easter, I will always abstain from eating meat on Fridays, and will give up something for 40 days, like sweets or severely limiting my television time.  Western Catholics still fast during Advent, whereas Eastern Catholics to not.  So, I’ve decided to personally reinstitute an Advent fast for myself into my Eastern culture.  This year, I’m going to abstain from eating meat on Friday’s for the duration of the Advent season, as well as only eating out if it’s a social situation.  There will be no take-out.

 

Saint Andrew Christmas Novena – Andrew was the first person whom Jesus called to be His disciple, and St. Andrew's feast day happens to be today November 30^th.  The most popular feast day tradition is to pray the Saint Andrew Christmas Novena.  A novena is usually prayed for 9 consecutive days, and would end on the feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8^th.  However, traditionally, the Christmas Novena is prayed for 25 days, from November 30^th through Christmas Eve on December 24^th.  Join me in praying the below prayer 15 times a day for the next 25 days!

Active Advent Calendar – When I think of Advent calendars I think of the paper versions that my grandma used to buy for my sister and I.  We used to alternate who would open the perforated window of the calendar each day, as we counted down the days until Christmas would finally arrive.  Instead of the old paper versions, or those with chocolate inside, I'll be using this e-calendar.  When you click on the door for each day of the 25 days until Christmas, there is a reading, a reflection, and prayer to put you in a more Christian frame of mind.  I can't wait to work through this!