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This year, Thanksgiving will be celebrated on its latest possible date in November, creating a unique mid-month pause before the holiday rush. This timing provides an opportunity for reflection and preparation before the busy season begins.
The OSV Editorial Board suggests using this extra time to cultivate gratitude. A Novena of Gratitude available at praymorenovenas.com encourages individuals to grow in thankfulness daily. Additionally, confession is recommended as a way to start the holiday season with a clear conscience.
Pope Francis emphasized remembering the less fortunate during his homily for the World Day of the Poor on November 17. He stated, “We are the ones that must make (God’s) grace shine forth through lives steeped in compassion and charity that become signs of the Lord’s presence.” The board proposes several ways to help those in need, such as choosing additional tags from an Advent giving tree or simplifying holiday meals and donating savings to charity.
As preparations begin for Christmas, resources like the "Oriens" journal and "The Jesse Tree for Families" can guide families through Advent with purpose. The Hallow app also offers an Advent Pray25 challenge for daily prayer throughout the season.
Members of the OSV Editorial Board include Father Patrick Briscoe, OP; Gretchen R. Crowe; Paulina Guzik; Matthew Kirby; Peter Jesserer Smith; and Scott P. Richert.
