During this time, the Advent wreath, with its three violet candles and one pink, is lit progressively each Sunday. The Christmas tree, an iconic symbol of this celebration, embodies excitement ...

Generally the tree is not decorated until late Christmas Eve as Advent is still a season of penance, if not as filled with sorrow as Lent is. However, some families find the preparation for Mass ...

All. Amen. (Sprinkles tree with holy water.) Then the family can sing a song, an Advent carol, if it knows one, then it is time to bless the crib and eat Christmas Eve supper.

and as you search for the best Christmas gifts to put under the tree, you may be thinking about picking up an Advent calendar. But as December creeps closer, we've seen our favorite calendars ...

Christmas trees were introduced into the UK in 1800 ... The deacons in the photograph are holding an icon of Mary and the infant Jesus. Advent is the period which leads up to Christmas.