Christmas begins December 25th

Shocking no? Yes it is true, however it seems that 'Christmas' starts earlier and earlier each year and for most it seems to End on Dec. 25th. Lots of stores get decked out starting on All Souls Day (no doubt they consider it the day after Halloween). I walked into a Starbucks a couple weeks ago (well before Thanksgiving) and it was Christmas in there already and I was looking for some beans to brew at home. The Owner (I know he's the owner because I am a regular there) asked me if I wanted to get the 'Christmas blend'. Huh! I was already shocked by the decorations up so I said, "It's WAY to early for that!", and proceed to purchase the 'Gold Coast blend' (which, by-the-way, is my personal favorite -- yes I am a coffee addict)

Fortunately there is this thing called Advent. It's between three and four weeks long and it's job is to prepare us for Christmas. I know Christmas is not Easter, and therefore does not need quite the prep time or penance associated with Easter, However some preparation of our hearts and souls should be done so that the idea that the Creator of the Universe has become a creature for our sakes can seep into our consciences. We also need to understand that Christ first coming is a precursor to his final coming and prepare ourselves to be able to welcome him on that occasion as well.

So for our family Advent is purple (another shocking revelation, I know). The traditional Advent wreath sits on the table with 3 purple and 1 pink candle. The Cresh is set up, but only animals are placed in side while we wait for Mary and Joseph to arrive and later Jesus on Christmas morning. The Christmas Tree is not cut down (we always get a real tree) until Gaudete Sunday, and then left completely bear until a few days before Christmas. (If it were a perfect world I would decorate the tree on Christmas, but with all the preparations needed for Christmas, it is simply to much to get everything done on one day). I don't have any outside lights, but if I did, I wouldn't turn them on until Christmas Day and leave them on until the entire Christmas season is over. (which is much longer than anyone I've seen keeps their lights on, their generally off by Jan 2nd)

I encourage every one to remember that Christmas STARTS on Dec 25th! Don't skip advent.