Forty Days Before Christmas

It's exactly two weeks before Thanksgiving and three weeks before the beginning of Advent. Sigh.  This year has me beat, I'll take any reason to celebrate.  We normally host Thanksgiving dinner but this year after my husband's health scare there was just no way we could put the preparation on our plates (is that technically a pun? it is intended).  So I'm very thankful that my sister-in-law will be hosting this year.

I mentioned elsewhere that I was going to fast from Facebook during Advent.  Well, that plan got moved up to early this week.  The deafening silence of a Facebook-disconnected life is quite frankly, enjoyable. I don't allow myself to worry about what gossip...errr, news... I'm not hearing only through Facebook (there is such a thing). I'm also no longer silently (or loudly!) debating people who have a differing opinion or whose theology needs to see the fulness of truth.  Honestly, these last few months, the absence of charity and/or self-righteousness (mine including) so rampant on social media has been exhausting.  I don't want to carry that over or through the upcoming holy days of Advent and Christmas.  I would rather have these debates with Someone who really knows everything.  From Him I will have no problem taking and eating humble pie :-) 

I don't hope (or plan) to be busy this Advent, I've had an already busy year.  Instead there will be lots of praying.  We are currently in the midst of the 33-day preparation to renew our consecration on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.  There is also the St. Andrew novena, a much loved tradition even among the kids.  The feast of St. Nicholas and another biggie in our home, the feast of St. Lucy.  So there will be many pauses and moments of quiet as we journey towards Christmas Day.  There are books to read, songs to listen to, movies to watch, saints to celebrate and  vices from which to fast.

Are you ready?

I promise I don't swear but this one's funny (source)