The Nativity fast has begun, and The Season is upon us. For those of us facing large family gatherings, entrenched holiday traditions, inordinate busy-ness, and no peace and quiet for the foreseeable future, it’s time to think about how to deal with our CLANS.

There is a saying: If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. I’ve been seriously contemplating these two options for a while now. I can hardly beat up on my overly indulgent family members this Christmas season in my love for them, nor yet can I join them in their over indulgence. Again I am stuck in the Inbetween. So after wracking my brain — and saying some prayers for a solution to this stressful dilemma — I’d like to propose an alternative. Thank you, God!

How often do we hear of clans who battle? The Hatfields and the McCoys? How many souls are lost and injured in the conflict? What if we could recast that battle into a successful campaign for the salvation of souls? Where can I find an “opposition” clan who can help SAVE the souls of all my family this Nativity? Who can help me save my own soul, and keep me sane?

Lo and behold, there is a clan like that! And it is my clan! I have all the saints and fathers and mothers of the Church throughout all of history as my clan, every one of whom is standing by right now, at this very moment, ready, waiting, and willing to pray for all and sundry needs, exasperations, and joys to be faced this Season. I am going to turn to my clan in the Church to HELP ME do battle for the salvation of my clan here at home. I can’t possibly do it alone. Look out, you guys. Here I come!

Starting with my #1 clan matriarch: Most Holy Theotokos, save us!