Christmas Starting Time\Date = Advent

[michael_76]

I do know technically Chistmas does not start to Christmas Vigil mass(or something like that)…

So as a good catholic should we not wish someone christmas until Christmas eve and only say “Happy Advent!”. I have know a handful of catholic friends\acquaintances that if I say “Merry Christmas” even the week prior they correct me, that I should say “Happy Advent!”

Also, today I wished a priest on Facebook “Merry Christmas” * He responded “Happy Advent. Christmas doesn’t start until this evening. Advent is about waiting joyfully. Thanks for the thoughtfulness, though!”*

As a good catholic what is the correct thing to do… Merry Christmas or Happy Advent?

 

[1_with_God]

Say what you feel, if it is not accepted that is their problem. How many people ever say Happy Advent, in my 66 years I only heard it 3 to 4 times and always found it odd. Advent is a time of soul searching, preparation and penance. How many are really ready for the coming of Christ? Happy Advent is like saying Happy Lent…all that you mentioned should spend more time talking to Jesus than correcting their fellow man. Including the Priest. The smugness of their statements is self-righteous baloney!!!

Merry Christmas to you!!!

 

[mike1976]

Thanks… Merry Christmas to you also!

When I hear it. it is also odd.

I second guess myself and then think, should I be correcting the cashier because they said Merry Christmas! It is hard enough in recent years to even be able to say Merry Christmas let along Happy Advent!

 

[Irishmom2]

I say Merry Christmas because I am wishing that they **will have **a Merry Christmas when it comes. I may not see them again so I am saying it at the present time. I have **never ** heard anyone wish anyone a happy Advent. Someone that would correct you like that sounds like someone that just has to be right and pick on everyone else’s words.

Merry Christmas!!

 

[EasterJoy]

I say Merry Christmas because I am wishing that they **will have **a Merry Christmas when it comes. I may not see them again so I am saying it at the present time. I have **never ** heard anyone wish anyone a happy Advent. Someone that would correct you like that sounds like someone that just has to be right and pick on everyone else’s words.

Merry Christmas!!

Exactly! If I find it is your birthday tomorrow, but we know I won’t be seeing you when the day comes, then I will say, “Oh, well, then, have a Happy Birthday!” You would not correct me unless you thought I had the date wrong or if you were to say, “Oh, does that mean I won’t be seeing you at the party? Did my mother not send you an invitation? You were supposed to be on the list!”

Certainly, I’d feel I could wish the clerks at stores a Merry Christmas (if I am reasonably certain that they celebrate the holy day), unless perhaps I recognized them from our parish, in which case I might say, “Well, in case I don’t have a chance to give you the wish at Mass on Tuesday morning, have a Merry Christmas!”

I have heard some people wish others a happy Advent, and many people wish others a Holy Advent or a Blessed Advent.