After Thanksgiving, it can be easy to get caught up in the Christmas rush with shopping, parties, decorating, etc. While none of these things are bad in any way, sometimes we let them get in the way of the season that we are going through: Advent.
Of course it can be easy to view Advent as an unnecessary time period that delays the holidays and family fun. However, if you go through this season the right way, it will make your Christmas even more meaningful and fruitful.
Advent is a season of preparation and waiting, just like any time before a celebration. But so many times, we treat Advent like it is Christmas. We put up all our decorations, indulge in all our Christmas treats, and play our favorite carols over and over and over again. By the time Christmas actually comes around, we are sick of the tree taking up space in the living room, have eaten more than we should to many times, and have heard “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” more times than we can count.
If in Advent we actually focused on Advent activities, we will get the best of both worlds: the season of Advent and Christmas. And before you say there are no Advent activities, my question to you is “Have you ever looked for any?” There are Advent crafts for the kids, carols and songs focusing on this season, calendars to count down till December 25th, and don’t forget the weekly lighting of the four candle Advent wreath.
Do you use the month of December as a time of preparation or do you rush into the Christmas with full speed? And if you do, is that what works best for you and your family?
Happy Advent! 🙂