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migurl
Guest
Ok, I know people have discussed this question before, but I need concrete sources as answers. When is it acceptable for catholics to put up trees and decorations for Christmas according to the Catholic Church?
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Tietjen
Guest
Huh? Just a guess here but I’d say at Christmas.
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wifeandmomoftwo
Guest
The church does not say. It is at your discretion when to start decorating
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Joannm
Guest
The Church has no rules about this. Even in churches they do it differently. We wil put up the wreaths and trees in church by the end of next week, but they don’t get lit until Christams Eve. The flowers don’t go out until Christmas Eve. At home I don’t decorate until Gaudate Sunday…however my husband asked me if we have become Jewish since we are the only house on the block without Christmas lights and decorations. Many families wait until Christmas Eve to put up the tree. We are doing it when my eldest DD comes home from California on the 20th.
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puzzleannie
Guest
the Church does not have any position on how or when Catholics decorate their home. Catholics who observe the liturgical seasons celebrate Advent in for the 4 weeks preceeding Christmas, with Advent wreath and various prayers and practices intended to foster penance and hopeful anticipation. The put up decorations, bake, shop and other activities in preparation for the Holy Day in that same spirit, and according to the needs of their families.
If you are asking about decorating the Church, the colors proper to the liturgical seasons must be observed, Advent and Lent as penitential seasons means decorations and flowers are absent or limited. For practical reasons it may be necessary to put up trees (if used) before the 4rd Sunday of Advent so workers do not disrupt Sunday Masses, the the actual lights would not be turned on until that evening or later, and poinsettias and other flowers not brought in until then. The empty stable would be appropriate for the 4th Sunday of Advent (again, if necessary to erect it early because of the schedule of the workers). But Mary and Joseph would not appear until Christmas eve and of course the Babe for the anticipated Masses that day.
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Biblioassistant
Guest
Our church has an advent wreath and a Christmon tree now. We will put up the stable on the 4th Sunday of Advent. All the rest of the decorations go up as soon as we can get them up before Christmas Eve.
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