The 7th Day of Christmas - New Year's Eve
Every year, New Year's Eve falls on the 7th Day of Christmas. As we noted last time, Christmas didn't end on December 25th. It just got started. Today we begin the home stretch of the 12 Days of Christmas, a time once heartily celebrated by Christians. Now, sadly, too many of us have succumbed to the secular celebrations that began around Thanksgiving and more or less ended on Christmas Day. A few of our neighbors have even taken down their decorations already.
But let's forget all that and settle into today's respite from our typical work schedules. For me, there will be a few items to check off, despite my taking the day off - the lot of any small business owner who can't - or won't - let go of the reins even as the sled comes to a stop. I hope you're able to get some time off, or at least dial back the intensity of your work day.
Of course, a lot goes on every New Year's Eve, doesn't it? Even if you've joined the club of those who stay home, or hunker down with family, rather than trek out to one of those boozy bashes that pass for fun for some of us, today and tonight may be a tad less than quiet and peaceful. But whatever you're doing, here are some reminders:
First and foremost, tomorrow, New Year's Day, is a Holy Day of Obligation. In the Novus Ordo calendar, we observe the Solemnity of the Mother of God. In the venerable traditional Church liturgy, we celebrate the Circumcision of Our Lord. Either way, we Catholics are expected to attend Mass. These days, you can attend an "anticipated" Mass on New Year's Eve. Otherwise, get to Mass tomorrow. And no excuses!
I don't remember what we did last year at midnight. The whole day - was spent with our son who lay in a medically induced coma in ICU. It was the 16th day since he suffered a massive stroke. His condition had grown grave and we were being told by the doctors that he didn't have long to live. We did still manage to have a little gathering of our immediate family on New Year's Eve. One of our sons who lived at a distance was staying with us so he could be with his brother. At least one of our other sons was with us. I don't really remember that night all that clearly.
I bring this up because, in the midst of the stress and sorrow that bore down on us, we did get to Mass.
I'm focusing on Mass today because so many Catholics don't attend anymore. Don't be one of them.
Second, remember the virtue of temperance as you do whatever you're going to do tonight. On of our posts during Advent addressed the need for the virtue of temperance, especially as it might help us through the work day. For now, let's just recall the definition we shared then:
Temperance: the righteous habit which makes a man govern his natural appetite for pleasures of the senses in accordance with the norm prescribed by reason. Temperance controls the yearning for pleasures and delights which most powerfully attract the human heart. Think: moderation.
This doesn't mean you can't celebrate, of course. Do so, and do so heartily, if you're so inclined. But let moderation keep you sane and safe from sin.
Well, that's all for now. Hope you enjoy however you'll ring in the New Year. Oh, and...
But let's forget all that and settle into today's respite from our typical work schedules. For me, there will be a few items to check off, despite my taking the day off - the lot of any small business owner who can't - or won't - let go of the reins even as the sled comes to a stop. I hope you're able to get some time off, or at least dial back the intensity of your work day.
Of course, a lot goes on every New Year's Eve, doesn't it? Even if you've joined the club of those who stay home, or hunker down with family, rather than trek out to one of those boozy bashes that pass for fun for some of us, today and tonight may be a tad less than quiet and peaceful. But whatever you're doing, here are some reminders:
First and foremost, tomorrow, New Year's Day, is a Holy Day of Obligation. In the Novus Ordo calendar, we observe the Solemnity of the Mother of God. In the venerable traditional Church liturgy, we celebrate the Circumcision of Our Lord. Either way, we Catholics are expected to attend Mass. These days, you can attend an "anticipated" Mass on New Year's Eve. Otherwise, get to Mass tomorrow. And no excuses!
I don't remember what we did last year at midnight. The whole day - was spent with our son who lay in a medically induced coma in ICU. It was the 16th day since he suffered a massive stroke. His condition had grown grave and we were being told by the doctors that he didn't have long to live. We did still manage to have a little gathering of our immediate family on New Year's Eve. One of our sons who lived at a distance was staying with us so he could be with his brother. At least one of our other sons was with us. I don't really remember that night all that clearly.
I bring this up because, in the midst of the stress and sorrow that bore down on us, we did get to Mass.
I'm focusing on Mass today because so many Catholics don't attend anymore. Don't be one of them.
Second, remember the virtue of temperance as you do whatever you're going to do tonight. On of our posts during Advent addressed the need for the virtue of temperance, especially as it might help us through the work day. For now, let's just recall the definition we shared then:
Temperance: the righteous habit which makes a man govern his natural appetite for pleasures of the senses in accordance with the norm prescribed by reason. Temperance controls the yearning for pleasures and delights which most powerfully attract the human heart. Think: moderation.
This doesn't mean you can't celebrate, of course. Do so, and do so heartily, if you're so inclined. But let moderation keep you sane and safe from sin.
Well, that's all for now. Hope you enjoy however you'll ring in the New Year. Oh, and...
Happy 7th Day of Christmas!
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