On the Calendar Cycle

• Start of Nativity Fast
• Entrance of the Theotokos
• Day After Entrance of the Theotokos
• St Lucy's Day

Start of Nativity Fast

Date: 15-17 November

Christmas Pudding

This tradition originates in England. You can watch a video about it from the Anglican Diocese of St. Albans.

On the first Sunday of Advent, prepare the Christmas pudding. Everyone in the family should take a turn stirring the mixture, while saying the following prayer:

Stir up, O Lord, the wills of Your faithful people that they may plenteously bring forth the fruit of good works, as they await the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ to restore all things to their original perfection; who with You and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.

This prayer is the Collect of the Day in Catholic and Anglican churches.

Entrance of the Theotokos

Date: 21st November

The Polysporia

November is the very end of the growing season, and is celebrated in Greece by making a dish called polysporia out of grains and legumes.

Liturgy 

Wear white to Liturgy.

Day After Entrance of the Theotokos

Or Second Weekend of Advent.
Date: 22-24 November

The Christmas Tree

Opinions vary on the correct date to put up the Christmas Tree:
- the start of the Advent Fast (start of the Nativity seasons)
- the day after Entrance of the Theotokos (the first day of Nativity hymnography)
- the day after Thanksgiving (applicable only in the USA)
- Saint Nicholas' Day
- Saint Lucy's Day
- Christmas Eve before leaving for Vigil (the start of the official Christmas/Nativity season)

Due to the presence of the Nativity troparion in the Christmas Tree Blessing (see attachments), I believe the day (or weekend) after the Entrance of the Theotokos is the best time to put up and bless the Christmas Tree.

Blessing of the Tree

This is an adaptation of the Serbian "badnyak" blessing tradition, as adapted by Abbot Fr. Benjamin of Prophet Elias Monastery in South Australia.

Invite a priest, family, godfamily, and friends around. Make gingerbread in the shape of Christmas trees, and offer mulled apple cider and spiced tea.

St Lucy's Day

Date: 13th December

St. Lucy Buns

This tradition comes from Scandinavia. Make yellow St. Lucy Buns.

Clothes

Dress in white with a red sash, and make a candle crown to wear. This tradition also comes from Scandinavia.