From one of my favorite Christmas movies...

"When Christmas time is over and presents put away, don't be sad
There'll be so much to treasure about this Christmas day and the fun we've had
So may happy feelings to celebrate with you
And, oh, the good times hurry by so fast,
But even when it's over there's something you can do to make Christmas last

Keep Christmas with you
All through the year,
When Christmas is over,
You can keep it near.
Think of this Christmas day
When Christmas is far away.
Keep Christmas with you
All through the year,
When Christmas is over,
Save some Christmas cheer.
These precious moments,Hold them very dear
And keep Christmas with you
All through the year.

Christmas means the spirit of giving
Peace and joy to you,
The goodness of loving,
The gladness of living;
These are Christmas too.
So, keep Christmas with you
All through the year,
When Christmas is over,
Save some Christmas cheer.
These precious moments,
Hold them very dear
And keep Christmas with you
All through the year."
(Christmas Eve on Sesame Street)

Buuuuuut, unlike the radio stations might lead you to believe, the Christmas season is not yet over!! The Christmas season lasts until the feast of the three kings on January 6th! So, continue eating cookies, partying it up, leaving the bathrooms dirty, or whatever it is you choose to do to celebrate.

I hope Santa was good to all this year!

The Second Week of Advent

So, here we are at the beginning of the second week of advent... but has your advent really started? or are you being swept away by the hustle and bustle of the commercialized Christmas? It seems that many people completely miss advent in their lives. Advent is a time of preparation, waiting, anticipation, and a time to sweep out the spiritual cobwebs in preparation for the Lord's coming. Does the world even realize that there is more to Christmas than santa and fruit cake... don't get me wrong, I can't wait for Aunt Mary Ann's fruit cake. (I really don't understand all the bad-mouthing of fruit cakes that happens at this time of year! Aunt Mary Ann's fruit cake lasts no more than a few days at our house.) Fruit cake aside, while you may have all your cookies made and all the presents wrapped, have you remembered your spititual preparations? We do not know the day or time... he will come at an hour we do not expect? Will we be ready?

Have a blessed Advent! Don't forget the reason for the season!