Christmas is here again. Shiny, colorful, chintzy, and above all shockingly expensive. This year, impossible as it may have seemed, it arrived in Slovakia even earlier than last, at the end of ...

Advent calendars are popular, often containing chocolates or even luxury goods. But what are they and where did they originate? Here's how the faithful use them to prepare for Christmas.

SLOVAK CHRISTMAS 101 In the past, the Spectacular Slovakia podcasts covered the ins and outs of Christmas holidays in Slovakia extensively. What follows below is a selection of a few choice ...

(RNS) Advent has its own songs and symbols and traditions, distinct from Christmas.

Advent, from “adventus” in Latin meaning “coming,” is the season encompassing the four Sundays and weekdays leading up to Christmas, according to Britannica. In the Christian church ...

Discover the significance of Advent, a season of waiting and preparation before Christmas. Learn about its themes and traditions.

Some churches are arching their backs against earlier and earlier celebrations of Christmas by extending Advent, the season that leads up to Christmas.

As Christmas nears, Fr. Jeffrey Kirby of Indian Land, South Carolina, explains why we need to reinvigorate our observance of Advent: It's a "demanding teacher" that offers hope.

What is Advent? Advent is the start of the Christian church's liturgical year. It starts four weeks ahead of Christmas, which is usually the last Sunday in November of the first Sunday of December.

With Christmas approaching, many Christians are preparing to celebrate the Advent season in preparation for one of the holiest days of the year. Advent, a four-week season leading up to Christmas ...

Some churches are extending Advent, the season that leads up to Christmas. (This story first aired on Morning Edition on November 20, 2023.) ...