For Orthodox Christians (at least, those of us following the Revised Julian Calendar), today is the first day of the Nativity Fast. In the Orthodox calendar, this fast is second only to Great Lent. Over the next forty days, we prepare ourselves to celebrate the Feast of the Nativity.
Since this is regarded as a joyous fast, it is less strict than Great Lent, e.g. fish, wine, and oil are permitted on Saturdays, Sundays, and most feast days during the period of the Fast. However, fasting is only one aspect of this time of preparation. Equally important aspects of the Fast are prayer and alms-giving, both of which help us to shift our attention away from ourselves and onto the One whose coming we are preparing to celebrate.
Holy Cross Orthodox Church (near Baltimore) has a useful page about the Fast with links to further resources on its website (here).
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