For the vast majority of Christian history—beginning as early as the third century—Roman Catholics have marked each change of season with days of fasting and abstinence from meat called Ember Days. Celebrated on the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday after Ash Wednesday, Pentecost, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (September 14), and the Feast of St. Lucy (December 13), the Ember Days are meant “to thank God for the gifts of nature, to teach men to make use of them in moderation, and to assist the needy” (Catholic Encyclopedia).

In 1966, Pope St. Paul VI reorganized the Church’s laws of fasting, no longer requiring that Catholics fast and abstain on the twelve annual Ember Days. Fasting on these days, however, remains encouraged even today. This year, the winter Ember Days fall on December 17, 19, and 20.

Even as winter begins, Christmas is a time of extraordinary abundance. Christmas trees and stockings overflow with gifts. Our tables are laden with Christmas cookies, assorted pies, choice meats, and other favorite holiday dishes. There is no shortage of reasons to be thankful to God.

In the midst of these many gifts, however, it is easy to lose sight of the Giver. Through all of the holiday feasting—which tends to stretch from November to January—we can forget the true reason for the season: Jesus himself, the Savior of the world.

The ancient wisdom of the Church teaches us that we can often find God best by temporarily setting aside material blessings in order to focus more directly on spiritual things. By fasting and abstaining from our favorite foods, even for a few days, we become more able to set our hearts on the source of all our blessings.

Although it is not a requirement, consider fasting and praying this Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday in preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Traditionally, each of these Ember Days was treated much like Ash Wednesday or Good Friday: one full meal, with two smaller meals if necessary, and no meat. As your circumstances permit, consider keeping such a fast this week. Even a simplified fast—such as avoiding desserts, skipping a meal, or eating more simply—can be a meaningful way to enter into the spirit of the Ember Days.