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Dolan: For The Faithful, Stress Before Christmas Is Worth It

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Timothy Cardinal Dolan said this week that while the lead-up to Christmas can be hectic, it is all worth it at the end.

As WCBS 880's Rich Lamb reported, Dolan said the days preceding Christmas can be a tension-packed period for all who observe it – with shopping, cards and decorating along with a work schedule, traffic and snowstorms.

Yet, he said, everyone expects it.

Dolan: For The Faithful, Stress Before Christmas Is Worth It

"It's not bad that people are frantic and stressed out during Advent as we get ready for Christmas. But once Christmas comes, that's when we let God's grace and silence and tranquility rule in our lives," Dolan said. "And that's why Holy Mother Church is wise as well to say 'Jey, Christmas goes for those 12 days after the 25th.' We start celebrating Christmas on Christmas Eve. We don't stop because we need that time to wind down."

Dolan offers a Christmas Day blessing at St. Patrick's Cathedral annually.

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