By Mary DeTurris Poust
Here in upstate New York, we saw our first snow flurries of the season today, a sure sign that winter is fast approaching -- and so is Christmas. Despite our best efforts to make Advent a time of waiting and listening, preparing and pondering, it's easy to slip into the gift-buying and decorating frenzy that seems to take society by storm even before there's frost on the pumpkins.
So this season I'll be watching out for helpful blogs and stories that give the rest of us some much-needed guidance on finding the silent and sacred spaces of Advent amid the chaos and commercialism.
Over on Days of Deepening Friendship, Jesuit Father James Martin is blogging this week on "From Secular to Sacred: How to Enjoy Christmas and Not Lose Your Mind." Check out his suggestions for slowing down the rush of the season by clicking HERE. This site will be running an "Advent Retreat," so check back for other postings as we continue on our journey.
Fathers For Good, courtesy of the Knights of Columbus, offers tips in "Make This the Best Christmas Ever." This post includes lots of fun activities for families. No one says we can't be sacred and silly. Thoughts on Christmas caroling, sledding and watching old movies are mixed in with more serious suggestions about Advent rituals and volunteer projects. Find them all by clicking HERE.
And please share your own tips and traditions in the comment section. Stay tuned for more Advent and Christmas suggestions as the season progresses.
DISQUS for OSV Daily Take
