As we prepare for the great American feast of Thanksgiving—and the mania of the “holiday season” let’s think about what we are truly grateful for and Who it is we await as we prepare for the Nativity of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
First, Orthodox Christians prepare for the Feast of the Nativity by fasting for 40 days in anticipation. So, beginning November 15, we are called to withdraw from all those good and tasty foods being placed in front of us by a world that has the whole season backwards (and has basically forgotten what is really being celebrated in the first place). In practice, many Orthodox do not fast over the Thanksgiving holiday. Some do not begin fasting until after it has passed. And in some traditions the fast is not strictly kept until the last couple of weeks (beginning after St. Spyridon’s day—December 12—among some of the Greeks).
Christmas Fast
Fr. John over at the Orthodoxy and Culture blog, has written a little essay on fasting as we approach the Advent Season.
Christians should fast for 40 days to prepare for the Feast of the Nativity. While the Thanksgiving holiday may not be a day of fasting –we all enjoy turkey and so much more on that day — Christians should fast between Thanksgiving and Christmas.