Not really a religious theme to this today or any reflection on me but something my husband said really made me think. He said that, in any other case at this time of the year, in the UK and cold climates, we would be staying home, huddling against the fire, we probably wouldn't be socialising with anyone, making much effort but just trying to survive by ourselves and what is it about Christmas that makes us so sociable and doing things before Christmas?
The time of Advent, whilst those of us are preparing for the coming of Christ would like to do that peacefully in theory, it is actually rather wonderful with its sense of busyness and bustle and activity!
We will make the effort to see friends and family whereas we might otherwise be reclusive, 'before Christmas'. It spurs us on to meet each other. It encourages us to get out there and meet up and whilst for some of us who have family and happy situations, this might be something we do anyway, for others who lack that, should they so choose, it is a chance for them to be included in this family and community be that through meals, carol services, switching on of lights etc. Even just going to the shops, gets us out there and ensures we aren't too much hermits.
As one more house after another puts up Christmas lights throughout Advent-tide- the super early ones graduating to those who wait for Christmas eve, there is a sense of growing joy. Noticing the jolly glow makes you think of the people who have put them up. They have made you smile and perhaps entered your thoughts and somehow draws you closer if only subconsciously.
This time of preparation offers us a chance to think of others a bit more that we might not otherwise consider. People choose, at Christmas, to volunteer at soup kitchens and providing Christmas meals and events for others, either on Christmas day or throughout Advent- perhaps if we didn't have this time of Advent, an extended 24-day period of cheer, that they/we might not otherwise consider helping and getting to spend time with new people and spreading a little cheer.
Likewise, we all receive the charity messages asking for support at Christmas time. Whilst I am committed regularly to specific charities- the feel and fact that it's Christmas makes me inclined to help other organisations that I don't/cannot do regularly throughout the year. Advent offers me thinking time to consider how and if I can support a charity.
At Christmas, we are more likely to invite others round and visit others, whereas if it wasn't Advent- the lead up to Christmas, we might feel less inclined. It helps us to open ourselves up to others more.
Though it might not feel like that sometimes (like you are being dragged on a ferris wheel of chaos and busyness, that you can't seem to get off), taking a bit of time to think and it becomes obvious that you choose how to be around Christmas- you can choose to get stressed and angry, you can choose to hate Christmas, or you can choose to join in and enjoy those aspects that you love or at least don't hate (if you are a Christmas-phobe).
For me, I have always enjoyed Christmas and don't really get stressed. Admittedly, I don't have to plan or cook the meal (though I am going to try and reduce any stress during our holiday by doing as much as I can- chopping, cooking, washing up etc) but those aspects I adore at Christmas are of course the church services with the wonderful carols, the finding of presents and knowing that I love and am loved.
I will take part in as much as I have time for without stressing me out or making me unwell. Next week, we have our carols by Candlelight service which is always magical and I can wholeheartedly recommend attending such a service no matter your religious persuasion for a sense of joy and community it engenders, even if you never set foot there again! Admittedly for me, there is no Christmas without Christ, but if that is not you, just remember this one thing about Advent-tide, even if you are not religious or just plain grumpy about Christmas: Think how grim December would be without it! I like having the hope of Advent and Christmas when it's cold and miserable!
Blessings and hugs to you xxx
Head over to Floss's for more pauses in Advent. Ang's at Tracing Rainbows is particularly wonderful!
