# 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.

[![image.png](https://wiki.srp.life/uploads/images/gallery/2024-11/scaled-1680-/RxgmMw49c4Iibsjm-image.png)](https://wiki.srp.life/uploads/images/gallery/2024-11/RxgmMw49c4Iibsjm-image.png)

Invite a priest, family, godfamily, and friends around. Make [gingerbread ](https://wiki.srp.life/books/biscuits-and-cookies/page/gingerbread)in the shape of Christmas trees, and offer mulled apple cider and spiced tea.