Author Topic: Trad Parish Christmas Parties (Read 732 times)

MaterDominici · « **on:** December 03, 2013, 04:41:27 PM »

Does your Traditional chapel have a party for Christmas? If so, when?

Ours has a Christmas dinner every year on Gaudete Sunday and I'm wondering why they don't just wait until Christmas. Even if you're concerened that everyone is with their families at Christmas and for at least a week thereafter, wouldn't it make more sense to celebrate at or around Epiphany rather than on Gaudete Sunday?

Mabel · « **Reply #1 on:** December 03, 2013, 06:25:40 PM »

We (as in our chapel) always have an Epiphany Party and no one has Christmas parties during Advent, that I know of, anyways. I've only known my fellow Catholics to host Christmas parties during the 12 days.

And yes, it makes more sense. This is just one more thing we have to work to win back-- Catholic Christmas customs.

Frances · « **Reply #2 on:** December 03, 2013, 06:30:53 PM »

Once, we had a party the Sunday after Christmas. Normally, there is no party, just lite refreshments after Midnight Mass. If the school children put on a play or concert, it has to be before Christmas because most of the teachers are gone home to their families for Christmas, itself.

Mabel · « **Reply #3 on:** December 03, 2013, 06:43:23 PM »

Quote from: Frances

Once, we had a party the Sunday after Christmas. Normally, there is no party, just lite refreshments after Midnight Mass. If the school children put on a play or concert, it has to be before Christmas because most of the teachers are gone home to their families for Christmas, itself.

I think there are some norms and considerations that go with our secular culture, American lifestyles, and the workplace that make some things reasonable.

Decorating the tree during Advent or putting out lights, for example. Most people can't get to those things closer to Christmas for work, weather, or convenience reasons, so they make sense. I think the same can apply to certain Christmas-related events. It is great that chapels and individual Catholics are young to set the example and balance both but still keep Advent distinct.

Sigismund · « **Reply #4 on:** December 03, 2013, 09:40:21 PM »

We have a meal after the Divine Liturgy on Christmas, which happens at about 2:00 AM. I have always been a bit surprised at the large turnout.

We also have a potluck and bonfire with all the Christmas greenery on Theophany (Epiphany).

Mabel · « **Reply #5 on:** December 03, 2013, 11:57:22 PM »

Quote from: Mabel

Quote from: Frances
Once, we had a party the Sunday after Christmas. Normally, there is no party, just lite refreshments after Midnight Mass. If the school children put on a play or concert, it has to be before Christmas because most of the teachers are gone home to their families for Christmas, itself.

I think there are some norms and considerations that go with our secular culture, American lifestyles, and the workplace that make some things reasonable.

Decorating the tree during Advent or putting out lights, for example. Most people can't get to those things closer to Christmas for work, weather, or convenience reasons, so they make sense. I think the same can apply to certain Christmas-related events. It is great that chapels and individual Catholics are young to set the example and balance both but still keep Advent distinct.

*willing

Thanks for nothing, auto-correct.