On November 15 begins the Nativity Fast which lasts until Christmas Eve. This Fast reminds to ready our hearts for celebrating the presence of the Lord born in Bethlehem (and prefigures out anticipation for the return of the risen Lord at Pascha). The secular world begins to prepare for Christmas earlier than we do in its celebration, so that Christmas becomes the last day of a month long celebration. However, the Byzantine tradition begins observing the coming of Christmas a
Some of the ways we can celebrate the feasts of the Church is by giving them the same significance other major days in our calendars have, observing them with the same attention and ritual as we might a birthday or an anniversary. Such activities can include participating in any scheduled liturgical services (or at home, if nothing is being done at the local parish), celebrating with a special meal, which may or may not incorporate foods associated with a particular saint or