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Christian Holiday Season TraditionsJ•. TEMPERATURES MAY DROP,MBy Staffwill feature cherished traditions. Here are some popular Christian traditions during the holiday season.Advent Calendars & WreathsThe word “Advent” is derived from Latin and means “coming forward.” Advent is the four-week period preceding the Christmas celebration. Advent wreaths and calendars typically are part of Christmas in Christian households. Advent calendars are sold in stores or can be made as craft projects. Most of them contain small prizes like chocolate treats or other trinkets behind each date on the calendar. Advent wreaths have four candles (three purple and one pink). One is lit each Sunday of Advent. The evergreen wreath signifies continuous life.Nativity SceneAnother popular religious tradition is setting up a nativity scene. A nativity scene places the focus on Jesus Christ. One tradition involves moving nativity figurines closer to the manger leading up to Christmas, and placing the infant Jesus in the manger on Christmas Day.Some churches and towns also put on living nativity scenes, in which adults and children dress up, and together with live animals, depict the manger scene. Christmas CarolingtheFOR YOUTH DEVB.OPMENT FOR HEALTHY LIVINGFOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITYillions of Christians will be celebrating Christmas this year, and many of those celebrationsBUT CONFIDENCE KEEPSCaroling has a long history and was traditions at this time of year.HolidaysLesser Known Chanukah TraditionsHAPPYy Staff BCaccording to family preferences. While some traditions, such as the lighting of the Chanukah menorah, are familiar, others may not be as widely known — especially to those outside of the faith. Here’s a look at a select few.• Saying the Shehecheyanu blessing:Traditionally, there are two blessings that some people say each night while lighting the candles. The first is recited while holding the lit shamash, and the second is said while lighting the candles. Another blessing, known as the “Shehecheyanu,” is said the first night. According to 18Doors, a resource on the Jewish faith, it’s the same blessing traditionally said on the first night of all Jewish holidays and other special occasions. • Display or use of the shofar: A shofar is a type of instrument made from a ram’s horn. It is a symbol of the ram that Abraham offered as a sacrifice in place of his son Isaac, exemplifying heroic faith of the fathers of the Jewish people. The shofar also serves as a reminder of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, and calls people to strive forIsrael’s renewal and fellowship with God.• Singing “Ma’oz Tzur”: Chanukah songs may not be as numerous or as widely sung as Christmas carols during the holiday season, but there are a select few that are part of the festivities. “Oh Chanukah Oh Chanukah” and “The Dreidl Song” are some of the most widely known songs, but some people also follow the custom of singing “Ma’oz Tzur (Rock of Ages)” around the menorah. The words were composed in the 13th century, and the song summarizes historical challenges faced by the Jewish people that were overcome with God’s help. • Use of oil in Chanukah feasts: It’s well known that latkes, or fried potato pancakes, are served around Chanukah. The reason is due to the oil used to fry them, which traditionally is olive oil. Fried foods call to mind a specific Chanukah miracle. After the Greeks destroyed the sanctuary and defiled what was thought to be all of the oil, one jug sealed with the imprint of the High Priest was found. That one jug managed to keep the Temple’s menorah lit for eight days, despite it being insufficient to handle this task. This was considered a miracle and celebrated in subsequent years.hanukah celebrants still participate in various customs each year, some of which are customizedDec. / Jan. 2024 -25www.stoneoakhighlights.com7originally tied to winter solstice celebrations. Christians started singing carols to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Many of the songs carolers sing are traditional religious hymns. During Advent, carols will herald the coming of Jesus. After Christmas, carols are even more joyous in nature.The Three MassesMidnight Mass is a special celebration that takes place in the late hours of the evening on Christmas Eve. It is the first liturgy of Christmas that begins at midnight. It originated in 430 AD under Pope Sixtus III in the Basilica of St. Mary Major. The popularity of Midnight Mass grew by the 12th century, when the celebration of three Masses on Christmas day was granted to all priests.Christmas is steeped in tradition. While the secular traditions are well known, Christians also embrace various religious2024 -2025 Winter Youth SportsIndoor Sports: Basketball & Volleyball / Outdoor Sports: SoccerAges 5-17Practice begins: WeeJ.<,of Jan. 8 FirstPractice/Game'begins:Jan.20 ,# Games end: March 2 #'RISING!Getting You Back To The Things You Love, FASTER!Physical Therapy & Sports RehabYour premier physical therapy provider for one -on-one care.www.promotionpt-sa.com5 locations serving San Antonio & surrounding areas210-257-8272