If you’re uneasy about the rampant excess of the pre-Christmas season, consider re-introducing the ancient Tradition of St Martin’s Lent: 43 days of fasting, abstinence, and prayer prior to Christmas, similar to the 46 days of Lent prior to Easter. Standing in contrast to the excesses of the pre-Christmas season, St Martin’s Lent refocuses the season on spiritual development… and has the added bonus of shedding the Christmas binge-eating weight before it even happens…