Ask Christmas Questions. Advent, a period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, begins on the Sunday closest to November 30th, St. Andrew's Day.
Advent is the beginning of the church year.
Popular traditions are Advent Candles and children's Advent Calendars which have a door that opens for each day in December. Mistletoe is a green plant used as part of the Christmas celebration. According to the tradition, if you catch someone under the mistletoe you may kiss them. A garland is a chain of leaves, flowers, or foliage often used to decorate homes at Christmastime. A wreath is a garland that is joined at both ends and may be made from evergreens or holly, with pinecones and nuts and berries or combinations of herbs such as rosemary and bay leaves.