From Holidays to Holy Days »

Rather than criticizing the 'holiday' season, this book looks at it from the point of view of Christian contemplation, once aptly described as "a long, loving look at the real." The author, a Benedictine monk who lives in the center of downtown Newark, New Jersey, invites the reader to join him on his daily walks during the season, as he points out dozens of often unnoticed connections between our 'holidays' and the spiritual meaning of Advent and Christmas. In a string of colored lights, a crowd of shoppers, or the window of a toy store he uncovers such traditional Advent themes as watchful waiting, repentance, and selfless love. On the bustling sidewalks he introduces us to Isaiah, John the Baptist, and Jesus himself—all speaking their ancient Advent and Christmas messages of peace and hope and good will.

Introduction 1 Sunday of the First Week: Times and Seasons 5 Monday of the First Week: Holiday Music 8 Tuesday of the First Week: Salvation Army 11 Wednesday of the First Week: Christmas Wreaths 14 Thursday of the First Week: Preparing 17 Friday of the First Week: Memories 20 Saturday of the First Week: "What Do You Want for Christmas?" 24 Sunday of the Second Week: Street Decorations 28 Monday of the Second Week: Traffic Jam 31 Tuesday of the Second Week: Wrapping Paper 35 Wednesday of the Second Week: Christmas Trees 38 Thursday of the Second Week: Holiday Worries 42 Friday of the Second Week: Manger Scene 46 Saturday of the Second Week: Christmas Cards 50 Sunday of the Third Week: Joy 54 Monday of the Third Week: Home for the Holidays 57 Tuesday of the Third Week: Peace On Earth? 60 Wednesday of the Third Week: Santa Claus 63 Thursday of the Third Week: Looking for the Right Gift 67 Friday of the Third Week: Holiday Crowds 70 Sunday of the Fourth Week: Act Now! 74 December 17: Poinsettias 77 December 18: Homecoming Party 80 December 19: Holiday Cooking 84 December 20: Vacation Time 87 December 21: Putting Up Lights 90 December 22: Holiday Hospitality 93 December 23: Visiting 96 December 24: Some Assembly Required 99 December 25: Christmas Presents 102 December 26: Stopping Christmas 105 December 27: Holiday Dinner 108 December 28: The Letdown 111 December 29: Bells 114 December 30: Returning Gifts 117 December 31: New Year's Eve 120 January 1: New Beginnings 123 Epilogue 127