I‘m very thrilled that Advent started Sunday. Not only is it my favorite time of year, but it is a time of hope.

This time of year we prepare our hearts and homes for the celebration of Christ.

Some things that my kids are doing for this advent is following Along with Holy Heroes. Everyday, there is an activity, video and things to do for Advent. Not only are they learning about “the reason for the season” but they too learn how to do their part to prepare our home and their hearts for Christmas.

As for adults, you know we’re usually busy buying the gifts and preparing for the celebration, but like last year, I don’t want to lose the season of advent. It’s a beautiful time to realign our hearts to a higher purpose and to hope for a better tomorrow.

What can we do to prepare for Christmas during Advent?

1. Fast

Right about now (maybe in a few days), we’ll be tempted to eat all the holiday candies, cookies and cakes. I know many of us are pinning them up to make! But for this season, you can fast from all forms of sweets or even give up something that you like.

The reason some of us would choose to fast during this season, because it is a period of waiting. Waiting for something good to come. To prepare our bodies for the feast (because let’s be honest–Christmas is a feast), we should know how to do without something’s we really like–at least for a while.

2. Daily meditations

Advent meditations are awesome this time of year. Not only are you given a scripture reading, but it usually leaves you with a question that you can think about for the day.

This is the first year I’m doing daily meditation Advent. I’m loving it so far, and I do highly recommend it, especially if you haven’t done it before.

3. Decorate the tree, but hold off on lighting it.

Decorating the tree is the fun part for many children, but this year wait until Christmas Day (midnight) to light the tree. You can keep the little ones up until midnight for the tradition, and they too have something else to look forward to. Not only can you enjoy the fruits of your labor, but you can truly celebrate Christ coming to the world, and lighting our way.

4. Attend Mass

If you have never been to a Christmas vigil, you have no idea what you’re missing. The mass is beautiful and could be “a lot” for some that never been to any mass before.

Getting back to the reason for the season, go to Church. Celebrate Jesus’
Birthday with Him. Out of everything we do and can do this holiday season, let’s not forget why we have it.

5. Get Relationships Back In Order

This is the perfect time of year to forgive each other. To not close your heart to those that have done you wrong. Seek them out. Apologize if you were the offender, forgive them if you were offending.

This can and will be the hardest thing to do during the season because we love to hold on to our hurt, and pain. We nurture them and rely on them to help us feel numb. But this is the time to let all that go.

As we start this new Liturgical year, let us look forward to beginnings and hope for all good things to come.

Can you name some things that you can do to prepare your hearts for Christmas during this waiting period?