The Christmas season runs from evening prayer I of Christmas until the Sunday after Epiphany or after 6 January, inclusive. It also recalls the conferral of the holy Name of Jesus. The Sunday falling between 2 January and 5 January is the Second Sunday after Christmas. The Sunday falling after 6 January is the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. V. Advent 39.
Advent is thus a period for devout and joyful expectation.
Advent begins with evening prayer I of the Sunday falling on or closest to 30 November and ends before evening prayer I of Christmas. The Sundays of this season are named the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Sundays of Advent. The weekdays from 17 December to 24 December inclusive serve to prepare more directly for the Lord's birth. Ordinary Time 43. Rather, especially on the Sundays, they are devoted to the mystery of Christ in all its aspects.