What does it mean? Advent, from the Latin adventus, means to come. The Catholic Advent Wreath represents the four Sundays leading up to Christmas with three purple and one rose-colored candles. The first Sunday a purple candle is lit for hope. The following week, also purple, is lit for peace. The third week we light the rose candle for joy. And the final purple candle and fourth week is for love. This is a season of preparation and meditation that leads our hearts and minds to the Christ child.

Just like Advent, we all prepare for the festivities of the holiday in different ways. We decorate our homes outside by stringing lights on the eaves and hanging a wreath on the front door, maybe even a blow-up Santa in the yard. We bring a tree inside to decorate with lights and ornaments, then drape garland along the staircase. The cards received are taped to the big mirror over the fireplace and the mantel glows with lights and snowmen. The kitchen cupboards are adorned with wide red ribbon and bows to look like packages. Above the cupboards the star-burst lights give a warm glow. Nativities are placed in every room. Even Tuco has his picture with Santa displayed for all to see.

We make new traditions, or keep the old that were handed down to us from past generations. I’m that way. I love the old traditions and the memories of the past, the memories of family and friends that are no longer with us. But there’s always new memories being made each year. With new friends and additions to the family, how can there not be?

I stay busy all month long. I bake bread and make Christmas cookies for our family and neighbors nearby. It’s our way to show you we care and say we’re thinking of you. No need to reciprocate, it’s just what we do, try to spred some cheer and bring happiness to others that may not be as fortunate as us.

The Christmas meal was planned a month ago, as it will only be the three of us. But if unexpected friends or family show up that’s ok, because we always have enough.

The other day the hubs and I were saying, wouldn’t it be nice if we had a bigger house so we could entertain on the holidays? I wish we had a dining room with a table for ten. I wish I had a big kitchen to cook in or a spare bedroom for a guest to stay over. But we don’t. Our home is small, but it’s warm and filled with love. We don’t have a dining room, but we make room to share a meal and all are welcome to join us. We don’t have space for a Christmas tree, but we sure do decorate all the rooms we have. We are blessed and very grateful for all we have. And we love our home.

Finding that perfect gift for someone that has everything can be exhausting, not to mention expensive these days. So, what do you do? And when you find it, how do you hide it? We said we weren’t exchanging gifts this year but when the hubs surprised me with a very old and rare book that I was looking for, I couldn’t help but cry tears of happiness. He is amazing that man of mine.

As the month comes to an end and we’re all exhausted from the hustle of the season, let’s think again when asked, “What do you want for Christmas?” It’s not about us. It’s not our birthday, it’s Jesus’ birthday. What can we give to Jesus? How about our hearts, our love, and our lives. The best gift we can receive is the gift of Jesus.

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and until next time, God bless.

Skip’s mom, Cb