Ireton didn’t grow up in a high church tradition, so her study of the church year as an adult gives her a valuable outsider perspective. Ireton avoidsIreton didn’t grow up in a high church tradition, so her study of the church year as an adult gives her a valuable outsider perspective. Ireton avoids the temptation to create or uphold empty ritual, and digs into the value and symbolism of various church traditions.
For example, in looking at Advent as a season of waiting and preparation for Christ’s birth followed by a twelve day feast of Christmas, Ireton ties in ways Christians can move beyond the commercial Christmas to enjoy a season of peace and then extend joy and love when everyone else is tapped out and suffering a post-holiday slump. What if we had a Christmas party the week after Christmas? What if we invited people over for a Christmas dinner on December 28? How would that impact our family’s ability to enjoy Christmas and be a blessing to others?
Likewise, Lent offers a chance to think about the true purpose of fasting–not self-denial or being absorbed in yourself, but creating space for God to work in and through us.
I appreciated how Ireton thoughtfully examined ways that the church calendar can break us out of our tendency to passively trudge through life, and make us more mindful of our days.
Have you ever made a fruitcake/Christmas pudding? Not those things with the nasty little cherries, but a real fruitcake that involves leaving baked goHave you ever made a fruitcake/Christmas pudding? Not those things with the nasty little cherries, but a real fruitcake that involves leaving baked goods soaked in liquor around in your cabinet for a couple of months? I’m really fascinated by the concept, and if you are too, Classic Crafts and Recipes for the Holidays might interest you because it has a detailed section on fruitcakes, how they work, and various types to try. Since it’s such an involved project I wish I could taste them first before giving it a go. I also liked the section on how to propagate a Christmas cactus since I have one and inexplicably have not yet killed it. Furthermore, the book contains good ornament ideas including some inventive ways to use pinecones.
I know, how often do you select a book based on a review highlighting "inventive ways to use pinecones." But this is Martha Stewart, so you know what you're getting into.
The book is written from a Catholic perspective, but even if you are not Catholic (we are not) there are lots of generally applicable ideas for AdventThe book is written from a Catholic perspective, but even if you are not Catholic (we are not) there are lots of generally applicable ideas for Advent included. It’s a very short volume at 80 small pages, but if you’re just getting started in how to celebrate Advent with your family it might be a good resource.
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