Preparing our Hearts for Advent

 With the way our secular world celebrates Christmas, we are done with the Christmas celebrations by the time it arrives. The arrival of exclamation points saying, “There’s still time!” “Order now!” Don’t delay!” “Don’t forget!” “Bring a gift!” is a sure sign that Christmas is approaching. We prepare for everything we consider important in life, so why wouldn’t we also prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord? The church, in her wisdom, gives us the season of Advent as a time of waiting and preparation. So, how do we keep Advent, Advent, and Christmas, Christmas?

• Get out your Advent Calendars! Advent calendars can help with the never-ending questions of “How much longer?” and “Is it Christmas yet?” because your children are actively involved in the countdown to Christmas! The key to advent calendars is finding one that fosters the spirit of waiting and preparing, rather than a spirit of receiving.
• Keep Advent quiet. Much of the media is already celebrating Christmas, so if you are feeling pulled to keeping Advent an anticipatory time of year, consider limiting screentime. Besides, we could all use a screenbreak or at least a limitation! Looking for some liturgically appropriate music? Check out the Advent playlist from our friends at The Vigil project using the QR below.
• Consider decorating a process, rather than a box to check. Rather than having all your decorations out before Advent begins, try to decorate throughout Advent to build an anticipatory spirit. At the beginning of Advent, take out your nativity sets, and set a few pieces out at a time. As the weeks go on, add one or two pieces of décor throughout the season. Try to wait until Christmas Eve to do your final decorating.

Even though Advent is a season of preparation and not-yet celebration, the Church points us to scripture readings, songs, and different traditions to guide us through the season. It is up to us to use these days well: to listen, learn, pray, and grow. May we enjoy all that the season of Advent has to offer.