#first sunday of advent 2024

[cmcsmen]

The (First Sunday of Advent) Weekly CMCSMen Blog and Man Moment Message

Catholic Man Moment Message: Our Attitude Towards Life

Every Catholic Man Wants to Learn how to Pray to Prepare for Advent Better

Advent is a season observed in many Western Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas.

How do you wait in a culture that is instant information? Every Man I talk with it seems tells me they don’t pray as often as they aught to.  If you are married, when it comes to our Faith we usually depend on our wives to set the tone.

Amidst the holiday noise and chaos from the commercial industries, the Advent season is a time to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ.  If you are a husband and father, your family looks toward you especially at times like this for spiritual leadership and direction.

We hear about providing for our families financially and in other ways but, rarely do we hear about, or focus, provision and protection as prayer.

“Silence is so lacking in this world which is often too noisy, which is not favorable to recollection and listening to the voice of God,” Pope Benedict XVI said. “In this time of preparation for Christmas, let us cultivate interior recollection so as to receive and keep Jesus in our lives.”

It’s not so much then about learning to pray to prepare for advent, but leading an example of silence that makes a positive and lasting impression on you and your family. Like the Nun’s used to tell me in 1st Grade ”God gave you two ears and one mouth, so that you listen more than talk”

Prepare your heart and minds for Christmas with daily resources, prayer and activities at usccb.org/advent.

What would it take for you to have the best Christmas of your life?

Learn about BEST ADVENT EVER from Dynamic Catholic.

Spend your time with Advent Gospel Reflections from Bishop Barron.

Advent prayers in the Amen app.

The Advent Workshop from the Catholic Culture website.

Advent provides a reason to try new habits. One we strongly suggest is the  “Family Prayer Before Meals” (PDF) by Bishop Joseph Perry.  Statistics tells us that when a family breaks bread and prays together at least 3 times per week, it makes a noticeable difference in your children’s stability and security as a family unit.

This Advent, GIVE yourself deliberate time of silence and resolute to bring yourself  – and your family – closer to Christ!

[dribs-and-drabbles]

The Thai Communal Wardrobe item #157

My School President ep 12:

Wandee Goodday ep 6:

for @almayver 💙

[historian-in-pearls]

Status report: who heard “O Come O Come Emmanuel” at Mass this morning? 💜🕯️

[virtie333]

When the signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand. (Lk 21:28)

[hoe4hotchner]

Snow | [A.H] - Christmas 2024

Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x fem!Reader x Jack | WC: 0.7k | CW: Fluff, snow, christmas

A/N: This will be a part of a 4 part christmas series that I'll hopefully post every Sunday of advent.

Read other parts here: Snow | Tree | Presents | Christmas

The first snow of December drifted lazily from the sky, blanketing the world in a soft, shimmering veil. The streetlights outside cast a warm glow over the freshly fallen snow, each flake sparkling like a tiny star. And inside the Hotchner household, the crackling fireplace and the faint hum of Christmas music flowing through the radio filled the air.

Jack stood by the window, his tiny hands cupped against the frosted glass as he leaned in, nose pressed firmly against the cold pane. Each exhale created a foggy patch that he swiped at with his sleeve, only to repeat the cycle moments later. His wide, brown eyes sparkled with excitement as he twisted around, practically bouncing on the balls of his feet.

“It’s snowing!” he shouted. He pointed out the window, as if afraid you and Aaron might somehow miss the spectacle unfolding outside. “Look! Look at how much is coming down!”

You and Aaron were tucked together on the couch under a thick knitted blanket. The soft glow of the fireplace danced across your faces.

Jack turned to you both, his cheeks flushed from his excitement, and clasped his hands together. “Can we go outside? Please? I need to feel it!” His voice pitched higher on the last word, as though the very thought of staying indoors any longer was unbearable.

You shared a look with Aaron, his soft smile mirroring your own. “What do you think, Dad?” you teased, nudging his arm.

Aaron chuckled, the sound deep and comforting. “I think he’d burst if we said no," he said, ruffling Jack’s hair as he got up. “Go grab your coat and boots, buddy.”

Jack was off like a bullet, the sound of his little feet thundering up the stairs making both of you laugh. Aaron turned to you, his gaze full of love. “You’re coming too, right?”

��Of course,” you replied, standing and grabbing your own coat. “It’s the first snow. That’s not something to miss.”

Moments later, the three of you were bundled up and stepping outside.

The cold air nipped at your cheeks, but the beauty of the snow made it impossible to mind. Jack immediately started running in circles, his laughter ringing out like a bell.

“Look at the snowflakes!” Jack called, holding out his mittened hand to catch a few. “They’re so pretty!”

“They really are,” you agreed, crouching beside him.

Aaron was a step behind, his hands in his coat pockets, watching the two of you with an expression that could only be described as pure contentment. He looked up at the sky, the snowflakes catching in his dark hair. “It’s perfect out here,” he murmured.

You stood and slipped your hand into his. “It is,” you agreed, leaning your head against his shoulder.

Jack’s voice broke the peaceful moment. “Snowball fight!” he shouted, launching a tiny snowball that hit Aaron square in the chest.

Aaron’s eyes widened in mock surprise. “Oh, it’s on now,” he said, his voice playful.

What followed was a flurry of laughter, shrieks, and poorly aimed snowballs. You couldn’t stop giggling as Aaron pretended to dramatically collapse into the snow when Jack hit him. “You got me!” he said, clutching his chest as he fell.

Jack ran to his dad, flopping into the snow beside him and grinning triumphantly. “I win!”

You joined them, lying down in the snow to make a snow angel. Jack immediately copied you, his arms and legs flailing enthusiastically. Aaron stayed where he was, watching the two of you with a soft smile.

As the night wore on, the snow continued to fall, coating the world in a sparkling blanket of white. When Jack started yawning, you all made your way back inside, cheeks flushed and noses cold. Aaron fed the fire keeping it alive for just a moment longer, while you made hot chocolate, complete with marshmallows and whipped cream.

The three of you curled up on the couch, Jack between you with his head resting on Aaron’s arm. The glow of the fire illuminated his sleepy smile. “This was the best night ever,” Jack mumbled, his eyes fluttering closed.

You looked at Aaron, your heart full to bursting. “It really was,” you whispered, leaning your head against his shoulder.

Aaron kissed the top of your head, his voice low and tender. “Merry almost Christmas,” he said softly, his arm tightening around you both.

Outside, the snow continued to fall, erasing your signs of frolicking, readying the ground for round 2 in the morning.

[sitp-recs]

HP Rec Fest 2024

day 19: a fanart

it felt a bit unfair to pick only one fanart over so many incredible works I’ve seen this year, so I’ve decided to make this a proper reclist linking some of my 2024 favourites! tysm @hprecfest for the opportunity to showcase how brilliant, prolific and creative our fandom is, and to share love for both Drarry and rare pairs. I’m in awe of these works and I hope you enjoy them as much as I did 💜

Drarry:

Advent Again by dustmouth

Art for By the Grace by @appleslightning

Art for In Evidence of Magical Theory by @willywat

Art for Modern Love by @kk1smet

Art for Nice Things by appleslightning

Art for Spoiled Little Brat by appleslightning

Coffee shop by @goldmanrustic

Draco Malfoy's Pro Tips for Getting Exactly What You Want (NSFW) by @maesterchill

Proposal & NSFW collection by @littlewinnow

Día de las Velitas by @substellaris

Draco by @garagepaperback

Fuck the Daily Prophet by @the-forbidden-forest

HBD Draco by @fictional

Inktober by @gr33nmushy

Lazy Sundays by @amomorii

Like Old Times & Pro Quidditch Players by @mzuul

NSFW by @putridpommes

Of Cabinets and Cupboards & Caught by @faiell

Pirate AU & NSFW collection by @slyssnakes

Ruined Robes by @eleadore

Talk Tonight by @getawayfox

To the Faire & Holiday Draco by @itsphantasmagoria

Veela Draco by @lilbeanz

Rare pairs:

Art for Nightswimming by appleslightning (Dronarry)

Art for Trine by eleadore (Tedrarry)

Art for Welcome, Peasants by putridpommes (Dronarry)

Compliment & Looking at you by @flymetosnarryland (Snarry)

Dirty Secret by flymetosnarryland (Draco/Sirius)

First kiss by @forestdeath1 (Prongsfoot)

Strong and Fast Lovers by @sugareey-makes-stuff (Ginsy)

Vamp!Marlily by @corwnvus

Gen:

Animagus Harry by eleadore

Death Eater Draco by @longdaytogo

Drapple by @ziggystqrdust

Golden Trio by @naw-sya

Sketch by @handledwithgloves

[ros64]

Dal gruppo Fb “Outlandet Élite”

Ecco la traduzione in inglese dell’estratto:

⚠️⚠️⚠️ WARNING: SPOILERS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT READ ALL BOOKS UP TO BEES ⚠️⚠️⚠️

Excerpt from Book Ten (Untitled), Copyright 2024 Diana Gabaldon

Released on Diana’s Facebook page for the Third Sunday of Advent 🕯🕯🕯

[EXCERPT FROM BOOK TEN, Copyright 2024 Diana Gabaldon]

William opened his eyes and lay still. He had grown used to not knowing exactly where he was upon waking, except when he slept in the woods. At night, the woods are mysterious places, and his inner ear picked up sounds all night long. A deep part of his brain evidently recognized and dismissed things like wind in the leaves, falling acorns, or rain ticking on his shelter’s canvas, but it was sensitive enough to register the heavy padding of a bear walking nearby, not to mention branches snapping under its weight.

This behavior on the part of his brain kept him aware of his surroundings throughout the night, ensuring he wouldn’t be caught off guard at dawn, even though he never fully woke.

Last night, however, he had slept like a dormouse, exhausted from the journey, after stuffing himself with warm food and as much alcohol as he could hold. His memory of going to bed was hazy, but now he lay on the floor of an empty room: he could feel the smooth boards beneath his hands, something warm over him. Light filtered through a window covered with burlap…

And suddenly, the thought struck him, without warning.

I’m in my father’s house.

“Jesus,” he said aloud, sitting up and blinking. All the events of the previous day came rushing back—a jumble of effort, sweat, worry, climbing through forests and cliffs, and finally, the sight of a large, beautiful house with glass windows. Glass windows? Here in this wilderness? The panes sparkled in the sun, incongruous among the trees.

He had driven himself and his horse past fear and fatigue, and then… there he was, sitting on the porch. James Fraser.

There had been other people on the porch and in the yard, but he hadn’t noticed any of them. Just him. Fraser. He had spent miles and days deciding what to say, how to explain the situation, how to phrase his request… and in the end, he simply stumbled onto the porch, out of breath, and said, “Sir, I need your help.”

He took a deep breath and ran both hands through his disheveled hair, reliving the moment. Fraser had immediately risen, come down the steps, and taken him by the arm. And he’d said, “You have it.”

“You have it,” William repeated softly to himself. Yesterday, it had been enough: the relief of knowing help was at hand. The relief was still with him, but other things had crept in as he slept.

The thought of Papa was still a blade in his chest and a stone in his belly. He hadn’t forgotten, even under the onslaught of people and the comfort of a lot of whisky.

There had been a flood of people, pouring out of the house, spilling into the yard and from what seemed to be a gathering under a huge tree. He had only noticed three people in the swirling crowd: Mama Claire, little Fanny, and, moments later, his sister.

Sister. He hadn’t expected to find Brianna here. He had been too stunned by fear, terror, apprehension, fury, and despair, all crashing in on him at once, to try to imagine his reception at Fraser’s Ridge. And_, he admitted to himself, because I could barely stay on my horse, and if I had tried to make the speech I’d planned, I’d have fallen flat on my face before I got out the first sentence.

But he had said it, and he’d gotten his answer.

The reassurance of that was enough to get him to his feet. The thing that had covered him was a pathetic bit of knitwork the color of vomit, which he carefully folded and set aside. He looked around for something useful and found a battered tin jug propped against the door, with a large bottle beside it bearing a label tied to its neck that read “Drink Me.”

He pulled the stopper and sniffed. Water. Just what he needed, and he drank deeply, holding the bottle with one hand and unbuttoning his breeches with the other.

He had just finished when the door opened. He choked, spraying water, and fumbled to cover himself with his other hand.

“Good morning, William,” said Fanny. “I brought you something to break your fast. But there’s porridge and bacon downstairs when you’re ready.” She held out a thick slice of buttered bread and a wooden cup that smelled of beer, and she looked amused.

“Thank you, Fanny,” he said, fastening his breeches with all the dignity he could muster. “Ah… how are you?”

“Very well, thank you,” she said, straightening her back and suddenly emphasizing a pair of new little breasts. “I’ve learned to talk. Properly,” she added, rolling her “r”s slightly.

“So it seems,” he said, smiling. “Your voice is delightful, Frances. Is that beer?”

“It is. I made it,” she said proudly, handing him the cup.

It was a small beer, noticeably sour, but he was still thirsty and downed it easily. As well as the bread and butter, which he devoured in a few bites. Frances watched him approvingly.

“Why do women like feeding men?” he asked, swallowing the last bite. “We’re very grateful, of course, but it seems a great effort for a small return.”

She had turned slightly pink, and he thought she looked like a little flower, the kind you find hiding in the grass of a meadow in spring.

“Mrs. Fraser says women want to keep things alive, while men want to kill them,” she said, taking the empty cup. “But we need men to do that for us, so we feed them.”

“Indeed,” he said, rather startled to hear this kind of opinion attributed to Mother Claire.

“Are you going to kill the man who took Lord John?” she asked. The blush had faded, and her eyes were serious. “I listened. I heard what you said to Mr. Fraser.”

He drew a deep breath and felt the fresh, fragrant forest air clear away the last traces of fatigue.

“Yes, Frances,” he said. “I will.

Estratto non indedito dal Libro Dieci (Senza titolo), Copyright 2024 Diana Gabaldon

-

William aprì gli occhi e rimase immobile. Si era abituato a non sapere bene dove si trovasse al suo risveglio, tranne quando dormiva nel bosco. Di notte, i boschi sono luoghi misteriosi, e l'interno del suo orecchio udiva suoni per tutta la notte, una parte profonda del suo cervello evidentemente riconosceva e respingeva cose come il vento tra le foglie, la caduta delle ghiande o il ticchettio della pioggia sulla tela della sua capanna, ma era comunque abbastanza sensibile da avvertire il pesante cuscinetto di un orso che camminava nelle vicinanze, per non parlare dei rami che si spezzavano sul suo cammino.

Il risultato di questo comportamento da parte del suo cervello era di mantenerlo consapevole delle sue circostanze per tutta la notte e quindi non coglierlo di sorpresa all'alba, anche se non si svegliava mai del tutto.

La notte scorsa, però, aveva dormito come un ghiro, sfinito dal viaggio, dopo essersi ingozzato di buon cibo caldo e di tutto l'alcol possibile. Il ricordo di quando era andato a letto era confuso, ma ora era sdraiato sul pavimento di una stanza vuota: sentiva le assi lisce sotto le mani, qualcosa di caldo sopra di lui. La luce filtrava da una finestra coperta di iuta...

E all'improvviso il pensiero si affacciò alla sua mente, senza preavviso.

Sono nella casa di mio padre.

"Gesù", disse ad alta voce, e si alzò a sedere, sbattendo le palpebre. Tutti gli avvenimenti del giorno prima gli tornarono in mente, un'accozzaglia di sforzi, sudore e preoccupazioni, l'arrampicata attraverso la foresta e i dirupi, e infine la vista di una casa grande e bella, con i suoi vetri. In questa natura selvaggia? Le finestre scintillavano al sole, inconsuete tra gli alberi.

Aveva spinto se stesso e il cavallo oltre la paura e la fatica, e poi... eccolo lì, seduto sul portico. James Fraser.

C'erano state altre persone sul portico e nel cortile, ma lui non aveva notato nessuno di loro. Solo lui. Fraser. Aveva passato chilometri e giorni a decidere cosa dire, come descrivere la situazione, come formulare la sua richiesta... e alla fine era semplicemente salito sul portico, trafelato, e aveva detto: "Signore, ho bisogno del Vostro aiuto".

Trasse un profondo respiro e si passò entrambe le mani tra i capelli in disordine, rivivendo quel momento. Fraser si era subito alzato, aveva sceso i gradini e lo aveva preso per un braccio. E gli aveva detto: "Ce l'hai".

"Ce l'hai", ripeté dolcemente a se stesso. Ieri era stato sufficiente: il sollievo di sapere che l'aiuto era a portata di mano. Il sollievo era ancora con lui, ma altre cose si erano insinuate mentre dormiva.

Il pensiero di papà era ancora una lama nel petto e una pietra nel ventre. Non l'aveva dimenticato, nemmeno sotto l'assalto della gente e il conforto di un sacco di whisky.

C'era stata una valanga di gente, uscita dalla casa, scappata dal cortile e da quella che sembrava essere una festa sotto un enorme albero. Aveva notato solo tre persone nella massa vorticosa: Mamma Claire, la piccola Fanny e, qualche istante dopo, sua sorella.

Sorella. Non si aspettava di trovare Brianna qui. Era rimasto troppo stordito dalla paura, dal terrore, dall'apprensione, dalla furia e dalla disperazione, che si erano succedute tutte insieme, per cercare di immaginare il suo ricevimento a Fraser's Ridge. E_, ammise a se stesso, _perché riuscivo a malapena a stare in sella, e se avessi cercato di fare il discorso che avevo pensato, sarei caduto di faccia prima ancora di aver pronunciato la prima frase_.

Ma lui l'aveva pronunciata e aveva ottenuto la sua risposta.

L'incoraggiamento di ciò fu sufficiente a rimetterlo in piedi. La cosa che lo aveva coperto era un misero pezzo di maglia del colore del vomito, che piegò con cura e mise da parte. Cercò un qualche utensile e trovò un vaso di latta malconcio, appoggiato alla porta, con accanto una grande bottiglia con un'etichetta legata al collo che recitava "Bevimi". Tirò il tappo e annusò. Acqua. Proprio quello di cui aveva bisogno e bevve con sete, tenendo la bottiglia con una mano e sbottonandosi i pantaloni con l'altra.

Aveva appena finito quando la porta si aprì. Soffocò, spruzzando acqua, e cercò di coprirsi con l'altra mano.

"Buongiorno, William", disse Fanny. "Ti ho portato qualcosa per rompere il digiuno. Ma di sotto ci sono porridge e bacon. Quando sei pronto". Aveva in mano una spessa fetta di pane imburrato e una tazza di legno che sapeva di birra, e sembrava divertita.

"Grazie, Fanny", disse lui, abbottonandosi i pantaloni con tutta la dignità di cui disponeva. "Ah... come stai?".

"Molto bene, grazie", disse lei e raddrizzò la schiena, mettendo improvvisamente in risalto un paio di nuovi piccoli seni. "Ho imparato a parlare. In modo corretto", aggiunse, roteando leggermente le "r".

"Così sembrerebbe", disse lui, sorridendo. "La tua voce è deliziosa, Frances. È birra?".

"Lo è. L'ho fatta io", disse con orgoglio e gli porse il bicchiere.

Era una birra piccola e sensibilmente acida, ma lui aveva ancora sete e la mandò giù senza fatica. Così come il pane e il burro, che lui divorò in pochi bocconi. Frances lo guardava con approvazione.

"Perché alle donne piace dare da mangiare agli uomini?", chiese lui, ingoiando l'ultimo boccone. "Noi siamo molto riconoscenti, naturalmente, ma sembra un grande sforzo per un piccolo guadagno".

Era diventata un po' rosa in viso e lui pensò che assomigliava a un piccolo fiore, di quelli che si trovano nascosti nell'erba di un prato in primavera.

"La signora Fraser dice che le donne vogliono mantenere in vita le cose, mentre gli uomini vogliono ucciderle", disse prendendo la tazza vuota. "Ma abbiamo bisogno che gli uomini lo facciano per noi, quindi li nutriamo".

"Infatti", disse lui, piuttosto stupito di sentire attribuire questo tipo di opinione a Madre Claire.

"Avete intenzione di uccidere l'uomo che ha preso Lord John?", chiese . Il rossore si era attenuato e i suoi occhi erano seri. "Ho ascoltato. Ho sentito quello che avete detto a Mister Fraser".

Fece un respiro profondo e sentì l'aria fresca e profumata del bosco ripulirlo dalle ultime tracce di stanchezza.

"Sì, Frances", disse, "lo farò".

[hdowlpost]

H/D Owlpost: Posting starts in a few minutes ...

It is Sunday, December 1, 2024, and the first day of Advent. @hdowlpost Drarry Winter Gift-Giving Fest starts today!

This is how @hdowlpost is posting:

On each day of the fest, there will be three (3) gifts posted for one participant. On the Christmas days, we will post more sets of gifts, gifts for pinch-hitters ♥ and for the Owlpost community - you all!

If all goes well, we will be posting through the entire month of December, with December 31 the last day of the fest. There will be a Weekly Gift Roundup each Sunday. The Big Reveal of all gifters will be on January 12, 2025. On this day we make a post with all the gifts and gifters, and we de-ano the AO3 posts.

@hdowlpost is posting here on tumblr, on Livejournal, and in the Owlpost Discord. Mail us if you'd like an invite to the Owlpost Discord.

The Posting Schedule If you're wondering about the posting schedule and who gets their gifts when: Posting is determined entirely by when gifts are submitted to us. Once all three gifts for a participant have come to the Owlery, this participant gets the next slot in our posting schedule.

At this moment, we have around 50 gifts submitted. Yay! \o/ Everybody who has an extension, have fun creating your late gifts.

Pinch-hitters! We will contact you once we know who we need a pinch-hit for. Thank you again for volunteering.

Greetings from the busy owls -

and your Owl Postmasters @kittymiaomeow and @vaysh11

[jugglingjujube]

WIP parade!!!

I might do this every Sunday because it's good to remember what's on the needles. No promises though because I am trying to do less arbitrary deadlines. So! In order of my knitting priority:

Grey Kirigami

She's back!!! I need to reknit the yoke so I've been doing that the past few days. This will be my first FO in 2025 because I want to wear her so bad.

Double Knit Gradient Scarf

I just found this while I was cleaning out a closet. It's probably like 6 years old? So I figure it should be finished

Homegrown Sweater

I'm calling this my Homegrown Sweater because that's what the yarn colourway is called but the pattern is the Tolsta Tee by the Creabea. I also frogged this yarn from another sweater so it's not new new either.

Westknits MKAL 2024: Go Go Dynamo

Yes this is still on the needles and yes I am still on clue 3. It's a really fun knit, but it takes a long time and i need to pay attention.

Fifth House Folklore Cardigan

I forgot about this several times since finishing the back. It's hard to work on because it's cables i need to see on darker yarn (it's brown but it looks red in every picture). I'll probably cast on the fronts soon

Sweater for my Dad

Last December in a fit of hubris I thought I could make a sweater for my dad for Christmas. And then I just didn't do that. So this will maybe be picked up again next fall.

THINGS I NEED TO DO

I don't need more cast ons, but I need some fun colours (aside from my temperature blanket which is another post). I have the yarn for a deep green Lento which will be fast so I'm casting that on next. Also I forgot to share my project from my advent calendar in here so that'll be a separate post. It doesn't look like much right now anyway

[dartmoorsfinest]

We’re not hallucinating… Josh is doing Strictly over Christmas this year!

The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special is back! As the Ballroom is once again transformed into a magical winter wonderland, the first celebrity behind the all-star advent calendar doors this year has been revealed.

On Strictly: It Takes Two on BBC Two and iPlayer, Josh Widdicombe was announced as the first celebrity included in 2024’s Christmas line up. He will be paired with Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Karen Hauer.

Expect festive cheer, jingle bells, mistletoe madness, bedazzling baubles and six celebrities all sleighing their way to Elstree in a bid to be crowned the Strictly Christmas Champion 2024.

Josh is a comedian, podcaster and author.

Stand-up comedian Josh Widdicombe has starred in over thirty series of Channel 4’s The Last Leg as a team captain. Josh co-hosts the hugely successful podcast Parenting Hell with Rob Beckett and has written two Sunday Times Bestselling books. He has appeared on multiple comedy panel shows including Smart TV, QI, A League Of Their Own, Have I Got News For You and Taskmaster, to name a few. He's performed onstage at the Royal Albert Hall for The Royal Variety Performance and hosted Live At The Apollo.

Josh Widdicombe says: “I am utterly terrified this will end in humiliation and worried I’m going to be so bad I will ruin Christmas for the nation. Why have I done this?”

In the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, produced by BBC Studios, each of the six couples will perform a festive fuelled routine in the hope of impressing the judges, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Head Judge Shirley Ballas, and the voting studio audience. But who will emerge the Christmas star of the evening, and lift the sought after Christmas trophy?

The remaining Christmas line up will be announced on Strictly: It Takes Two in due course.

[dendro80]

Some caravan time! Going to be in the caravan for a few days. First of advent on sunday so I decorated with some tomtar. Not going to light the adventsljusstake I think because of Rutger, he is flying free and candles and birds dont mix. 😅

November 2024

Silvköparens camping, Sala, Västmanland, Sweden

[thepastisalreadywritten]

Christmas Eve 2024

Christmas Eve is on December 24 and marks the culmination of the Advent period before Christmas that starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Eve.

Many churches mark the end of Advent with midnight church services.

During modern times, it is popularly celebrated on the night before Christmas Day.

History of Christmas Eve

The tradition of celebrating Christmas Eve derives partly from Christan liturgy starting at sunset, which is inherited from Jewish tradition and based on the Book of Genesis’s Story of Creation, saying the first day starts in the evening and ends in the morning.

It is also believed that Jesus, or Jesus of Nazareth, was born at midnight in the region of Palestine.

Many historical conceptions on ancient traditions contributed to the development of eve celebrations, which persisted in the early Christian calendar.

Christmas Eve marks the end of the Advent season, the period of preparation for Christmas, which begins on November 30 or November 15 in the East.

It was on this night that the shepherds keeping watch over their flocks outside Bethlehem saw the bright star in the sky that signaled the birth of Jesus Christ.

This is why many churches have services beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas.

From the 12th to the 15th century, due to the Holy Inquisition, Christian traditions were made mandatory.

During the 16th century, the church was influenced by the Winter Solstice celebrations and began Christmas preparations the night prior.

In many parts of Europe, people believe that at midnight on Christmas Eve, animals briefly possess the power of speech.

It might have been the traditional association of the ox and the donkey in the Nativity scene that gave rise to such superstitions, but the concept of talking animals is probably pagan in origin.

A closely related belief, widespread in England and Europe, is that cattle rise in their stalls at midnight on Christmas Eve, or kneel to worship the Christ child.

Despite its Christian significance, there are a number of pagan and supernatural beliefs connected with Christmas Eve.

In Scandinavian countries, it is believed that the dead revisit their former homes on Christmas Eve.

People make sure that their parlors are tidy and that a good fire is burning before they go to bed.

They often light candles, set the table, and leave out plenty of food for their ghostly visitors.

They also make sure that the seats of their chairs have been dusted. When they get up in the morning, they wipe the chairs again with a clean white towel.

If they find any dirt on the seat, it means that a relative fresh from the grave sat there during the night.

Celebrating Christmas as a holiday became popular in the 19th century.

Christmas Eve remains an important part of Christian culture and signifies the birth of Jesus.

It has become even more popular within the last century thanks to a beloved icon: Santa Claus.

The idea of the jolly man in red gave rise to more traditions such as hanging stockings and leaving out cookies, milk, and sometimes carrots for his reindeer.

Apart from Santa Claus and Christianity, Christmas Eve took on another significance.

It also became a day made for spending time with family and loved ones over dinner, decorating, gift wrapping, and Christmas-themed movies.

The holiday unites families and friends, allowing them to get together and enjoy special and traditional activities, from Europe, North- and Latin America, to Asia.

[peridotglimmer]

I wrote a post looking back on 2024 on Facebook, and figured I'd post a (censored, not exposing my family's names) version of it here as well. Content warning for mentions of abuse and religion.

New Year's Eve... Traditionally the day to look back on the past year - even now that I'm in bed with the flu. And what a year it has been.

While 2023 turned out to be the year of saying goodbye with the passing of Grandpa and Grandma (my ex's last name) and (family friend), 2024 has become the year of rebirth - but it was anything but a simple delivery.

On April 15, I picked up the phone, after some serious encouragement by online friends @letmetellyouaboutmyfeels, S. and @cicaklah, and called my GP and (my mother), because after 12 years of abuse I really couldn't bear it anymore. I called them in the afternoon, and in the evening I was already standing in (town I now live in) without my child, but with a bag of some possessions, a backpack of trauma and a broken heart, on grandpa and grandma's porch, who had immediately decided to take me in, after mom and (mother's husband) had picked me up in Brabant. That same week, (my father) and (my brother) also came by; the lost sheep had returned. What followed was a proper reintegration with the help of Veilig Thuis, Centrum Jeugd en Gezin, (local charity 1) and (local charity 2)...: learning to leave the house again, to decide for myself which friends I speak to, to be allowed to take a shower and sleep in a bed, and arranging a visitation arrangement with my sweet (child), who also turned 3 this year.

I immediately went along to the 53rd edition of the (grandmother's surname) family reunion camp at Pentecost, with a tent from Dad, supplies from (my brother) and (my brother-in-law), and a camping chair from Grandpa and Grandma, and it was just like old times. That's where I met (my brother-in-law) for the first time, the loveliest brother-in-law of the Western Hemisphere, as well as (father's girlfriend). This year I got back in touch with old friends: (friend 1), (friend 2), (friend 3), (friend 4), (friend 5)... I hope to see them more next year.

On October 15, exactly six months after I arrived in (town I live in), I signed the lease for my own studio, where I have now been living for 2.5 months. Shortly after that I got a job as a teaching assistant at the (work), right across from my house. That job made me realise that I really want to start getting my teaching qualifications next year.

Where I was the lost sheep at the beginning of the year, during Advent I was allowed to look for a lost sheep, every Sunday, as a sign of hope; especially during a period in which I myself needed hope so much. That hope was also given to me, by the people around me, and by God, specifically through many conversations with (local pastor), (guest pastor), and many hours spent at (the local church) during the moments when I needed it most.

Let 2025 be the year of hope becoming reality, in whatever way that may be.

Happy New Year to all - I'll be crawling back into bed with a cup of tea and some Tylenol. Keep each other safe, hold each other tightly, and love one another. Love, Belle

[transparentgentlemenmarker]

Advent Wreath

First Advent Sunday on December 3, 2023

Circular shape and the evergreen material make the wreath a representation of eternal life and faith. The four candles represent the four weeks of Advent, and one candle is lit each Sunday. They symbolize: Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Some Advent Wreaths include a fifth- Christ Candle which is lit at Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Advent from Latin ‘adventus’ means coming. In the Christian church calendar the period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas and also of preparation for the second coming of Christ.

Made at Sandymere beach on 28/11/23. Our last calendars

2024 still on sale here: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Beach4Art

[justana0kguy]

2024 DECEMBER 01 W49 First Sunday of Advent

"Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and the day [of His coming] catch you by surprise. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man."

~ Luke 21:34,36

[constance-mcentee]

A Goat Among the Sheep: Christmas 2024

Image Description: A photo of a sheep on a hillside has the caption, "Jesus leaving 99 to find 1 seems crazy until you are that 1." Below this is text which reads, "Sometimes I feel He came for me, say I was a goat instead of a sheep, and brought me with Him anyway."

I tried.

I tried to attend worship for each Sunday in Advent as well as on Christmas, but I couldn't bring myself to do so. Perhaps I was reading too much into things, but I felt like I kept finding supersessionist (Wikipedia link) theology in the hymns and selected scripture readings. Or, if not explicit supersessionist theology, then it felt like supersessionist interpretations of the Jewish scriptures (what many Christians call the "Old" Testament).

I tried, but I just couldn't bring myself to be a part of that. Yes: supersessionism is what I was taught in Catholic school: that Judaism has been superseded by Christianity. It is a belief that I utterly reject, and most of the Christians I know reject it as well.

Late last night, a though occurred to me. When I've been attempting Advent blog post series in the past, I've been focused on how I might bring the Gifts of Advent (Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love) into the world at large. But I haven't been thinking about how I might bring those things to myself.

Really, this revelation shouldn't have been a surprise. Self-sacrifice is at the heart of a lot of the Christian way of life I remember learning growing up. (Hi, I'm Connie and I'm a recovering Catholic.) The Prayer of Saint Francis (Wikipedia link), known as the Eleventh Step Prayer in Twelve Step programs, is based entirely on this idea. Let me not ask for any help, but may I give help to everybody I meet. I guess the idea is that the Christians who do this won't get burnt out because God will be with them through all. And it's also somewhat expected that the other Christians in one's life will be doing the same thing and everybody, or at least every Christian, will be supported.

Of course, that's not how life seems to work.

So, maybe I've been approaching this all wrong. After all, in airplane safety announcement we're told to put our own oxygen masks on first. With that in mind, I should try to give the Gifts of Advent to myself first so that I might be better able to share those Gifts with others.

Blessed be, and amen.