The church calls Advent a period of “devout and expectant delight.” Here are a few ways to enter into the season that prepares us for Christmas.
- Embrace penance
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops describes Advent as a time of preparation. “Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of this world. Advent also includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas.”
Start by going to confession during Advent. Consider giving up something or making small sacrifices. Maybe hold off on holiday sweets until after Christmas or give up meat on certain days. Walk or use public transportation. Turn off the radio or listen to Christian music.
- Celebrate the feasts of the season
Several feasts fall within the season of Advent, such as the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Dec. 12 and St. Lucy Dec. 13. The Immaculate Conception, Dec. 8, is a holy day of obligation. On the eve of St. Nicholas Day, Dec. 6, many children leave out their shoes for St. Nick to fill with treats. Learn more about the saints, attend daily Mass on their feast days or see if your parish is holding any special events in their honor.
- Shop at a parish craft sale
Many parishes are hosting craft sales, such as St. John Neumann Church in Reston, which is hosting a Christmas Bazaar with fair trade goods Nov. 26-27. St. Rita Church in Alexandria is hosting a St. Nicholas Market Dec. 4. Check out your parish bulletin or the events section of the Catholic Herald for more festivities.
- Attend a special liturgy, concert or party
The Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington has a Country Christmas event Dec. 10. Holy Trinity Church in Gainesville has a live Bethlehem Walk Dec. 21-22. Visit Pauline Books and Media in Alexandria Dec. 10 for their annual Baby Jesus birthday party and manger photo op. Check out your parish bulletin or the events section of the Catholic Herald for more festivities.
- Decorate with religious décor
Before you deck the halls with boughs of holly, pull out your Advent calendar, creche and Advent wreath. Having beautiful reminders of the reason for the season helps keep the spiritual side at the forefront.
- Wear pink for Gaudete
On Gaudete Sunday — the third Sunday of Advent, this year Dec. 11 — the pink candle on the Advent wreath is lit and priests wear rose vestments instead of purple. “Gaudete Sunday is the Sunday of rejoicing, because the faithful have arrived at the midpoint of Advent, when their preparation is now half over,” notes the USCCB. Get in the spirit by throwing on a pink dress or tie.
- Support local Catholic gift stores
Looking for religious books, rosaries or saint-themed apparel? If you’re looking for Christmas gifts, check out your local parish gift shop, Paschal Lamb Books and Gifts in Fairfax or the Catholic All Year Market in Marshall.
- Perform a corporal work of mercy
Christmas is a time of giving, so make sure to give to the less fortunate. Check your parish bulletin to see if there’s a food drive or toy collection you can support. Donate to your favorite charity, or bring baked goods to a homebound neighbor or relative.
- Learn about another culture’s traditions
Find out more about the customs of another country by attending their Advent celebrations at diocesan parishes. For example, posadas are celebrated in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and other Latin American countries. “Neighborhoods get together to reenact the pilgrimage of Joseph and Mary before the birth of Jesus. They go from house to house singing traditional Advent and Christmas carols or villancicos, knocking on every door until they find one house that gives them shelter,” according to the USCCB.
Many Filipinos participate in Simbang Gabi, a novena of Masses leading up to Christmas, occasionally with Filipino food after Mass.
- Make a pilgrimage
Just as Mary and Joseph journeyed to Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus, you can make a trip of your own. Visit a local church you haven’t been to before, or one named in honor of a member of the Holy Family, such as the Basilica of St. Mary in Alexandria. Or travel to Washington to see the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the Franciscan Monastery or the St. John Paul II National Shrine.
During this busy season, carve out some time for a few of these faith-filled activities to make this Advent your best yet.
