It occurred to me today, as Father was reminding us that the First Sunday of Advent is the beginning of a new 'Church' year, that we Catholics can say 'Happy New Year' before we say 'Merry Christmas!' Isn't that just typical of the Church- almost always opposing the ways of the world...
I take issue with the secular culture which says 'Merry Christmas' during the Advent Season and ends the Christmas season at its very beginning on St. Stephen's Day. In Poland though, which may possibly be the last truly Cathloic culture on earth (maybe excepting the Italians), they have it right. The Poles do not put up their decorations or trees until December 24th. And then? Midnight Mass, Mass at Dawn, Mass of Chritsmas Morn, and jolly celebrations every day until February 2nd, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord (or traditionally, Candlemas)! Now that's a Christmas season for you! How fun it would be if it were like that here! Besides, who could say 'no' to an extra month of vacation from school?
