Advent
The four weeks before Christmas observed as a season of preparation.
Advent is the season of preparation for Christmas in Western Christian liturgical tradition, running for the four Sundays before Christmas Day. Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran traditions observe Advent with purple vestments, the Advent wreath (a circle of greenery with four candles, one lit each Sunday), specific scripture readings building toward the Nativity, and restraint on the celebration of Christmas itself until Christmas Eve. Many Christian families observe Advent at home with an Advent calendar, evening prayers around the wreath, and gradual decoration of the home. Eastern Orthodox tradition observes a parallel preparation called the Nativity Fast.