Of Advent and Waiting

In years past I have complained about how early the fuss about Christmas starts. It has always bothered me that as soon as the Halloween candy is put away Christmas decorations are on the shelves and television commercials start trying to sell you things that no one actually needs. This used to make me bitter, and the Christmas after I was in South Africa it traumatized me a little bit. All the consumerism and crazy hustle and bustle of the “season” was a little overwhelming.

On many levels it still does both embitter and traumatize. But this year is different. This year I was excited to see the Christmas decorations and I have started listening to Christmas music already, well before my usual December 1st rule. I am excited about all things Christmas. Eggnog lattes, candy cane fudge crackle ice cream, nativity scenes, lights, trees, cheesy songs and lots of snow (at least when I’m not driving in it) make me extremely happy. I can’t quite explain it.

I am not doing much shopping this year since I have already bought my family tickets to The Sound of Music for Christmas and there aren’t many other people on my list. So I get to avoid the malls and not get stressed by the parking lots, crazy shoppers and general insanity. I still give the television evil looks on occasion when a particularly stupid commercial comes on trying to sell me a Sham-wow! or something equally ridiculous, but in general I am much more gracious in my attitudes and can simply change the channel. I am not letting the perversions of the season ruin it this year.

I am especially excited about advent. I have this craving for liturgy and responsive prayers and hymns and candles. Just the thought of it makes me happy. My church, awesome and amazing in every other way, has moved away from advent for some reason and being Mennonite it has never been much into liturgy. So I will try to get my high church fix somewhere else. Advent is a time of waiting, of expectation. Like creation holds its breath for the four weeks before Christmas. This is how I am feeling too.

God Bless us, every one!