The Ritual Master Making the most of the Holiday Season
Here we are, the first of December, the day Advent begins for all non-religious enthusiasts of Christmas.
The calendars get opened, the letters to Santa begin to take form, and we are all in the mood for some mulled wine.
Even though I did not grow up in the culture of Advent, I particularly enjoy the candle lighting ritual. In this tradition, the four Sundays that precede Christmas day are marked by the lighting of a candle and a moment of meditation, each with its own theme.
HOPE – PEACE – JOY – LOVE
In the midst of all the preparations, the shopping frenzy for gifts or the perfect Christmas pudding, I like the idea of slowing down and remembering what it’s all about. More than the religious context of Christmas, ending our year with a moment’s meditation on hope, peace, joy and love, can bring us together in spirit and lift the vibration all around us.
My little Advent wreath was a chocolate box I received as a present many years ago, so it has an emotional value. Having it on the table in December and celebrating every Sunday around it, I am reminded of my dear ones, no matter how far we are.
Christmas time is never long enough for me, so starting early and making the most of the holiday season is essential. Every day gestures or aromas become a celebration, and there is no greater pleasure than singing along with Bing Crosby or Dean Martin, come to think of it I believe I am never in such a singing mood as I am in December.
So for this Advent calendar, I will take you along and show you my simple pleasures for making the celebration last all month long. A nice selection of books, some decorating ideas, yummy cookbooks to prepare the feast and some multicultural storytelling for the child in all of us.
Welcome to my Winter Wonderland, The Ritual of Reading’s Advent Calendar 2021.
