Today marks the third Sunday of Advent, a day that traditionally represents a relaxation of Advent restrictions (should one choose to observe them) and heralds the imminent arrival of the Nativity of Christ.
Americans don’t generally use liturgical calendars, instead marking the passage of time by seasonal sales. These have shifted a bunch over the years, with Christmas now starting in October (and Halloween starting in August).
But for centuries, the passage of time was closely tied to faith, and I think this is one of the elements that is so appealing to younger people today. Certainly I enjoy it.
Christmas season for many years kicked off after Thanksgiving, but that was not always the case. My Catholic grandmother recalled trimming the tree on Christmas Eve as a child, and as a concession began putting it up in mid-December. She didn’t mention it, but it was probably timed with Gaudete Sunday. I also recall how I thought it strange that she left the decorations up well into January, while my Methodist grandparents had the down right after New Year’s Day.
I’ve already talked at length about Protestantism’s “easy button,” but another side of it is that it washes out the year – taking away the seasons within the seasons.
Friday was the feast day of Our Lady of Guadeloupe, which in my youth I associated with a vacation spot. Of course, I now recognize the importance of this pivotal event, and it is yet another point of contrast between the bland monochrome world of American commercial religion and the full-color splendor of the ancient Church.
Chateau Lloyd 
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