{"href":"https://api.simplecast.com/oembed?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpracticing-catholic.simplecast.com%2Fepisodes%2Freclaiming-advent-uVSRls0S","width":444,"version":"1.0","type":"rich","title":"Reclaiming Advent: How to Prepare Your Heart (and Home) for the Season","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_url":"https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/1f34450c-6b73-49e0-987d-a7a5686692d2/374d7fef-3a5e-4c82-86fa-8c4e8b56b6ac/practicingcatholic-square.jpg","thumbnail_height":300,"provider_url":"https://simplecast.com","provider_name":"Simplecast","html":"","height":200,"description":"In this episode of Practicing Catholic, Taylor and Dr. Scott dive into one of the most overlooked—but richest—seasons of the Church year: Advent. From avoiding the mad dash to Christmas to rediscovering the beauty of anticipation, they share practical ways to make Advent more intentional, joyful, and spiritually fruitful.\n\nScott reflects on the Austrian traditions that transformed his own Advent experience, while Taylor discusses the challenges of feeling “aimless” during the season and the small commitments that finally brought it to life. Together they explore Advent practices such as the Advent wreath, Jesse Tree, calendars, family devotions, fasting, gratitude, and preparing for Christ by entering into the stories of Mary, Joseph, and Israel’s long-awaited hope.\n\nThey also tackle audience questions about Christmas music, decorations, parties, Santa vs. St. Nicholas, and the explosion of quirky secular Advent calendars. The episode wraps with their personal Advent challenges—concrete ideas you can adapt for your own home.\n\nIf you want a more meaningful Advent and a richer Christmas, this episode will help you reclaim the season with purpose.\n\nHave a question or topic idea for future episodes? Submit them here: http://practicingcatholicpodcast.com"}