From Simon Berry

How to keep a Good Advent

Try to put the brakes on the commercial Christmas Machine without being The Grinch.

Keep an Advent Wreath at home, lighting at meals during the season.

Start decorating with a Crèche.  Keep the manger empty;  put the figures in various places in your home and gradually move them closer.  The Shepherds and sheep first, followed by Mary and Joseph on December 24 and finally the Wise Men (not before The Epiphany!

If you have a Christmas tree early in the season, try to hold off on decorations.  Then add Advent colors first (purple and blue); add other colors after December 20 and the lights on December 24.

Allow each member of the family some time for quiet reflection.

Surreptitious gift buying is a great way to acknowledge that Christmas is coming;  especially if the gifts are hidden away till as late as possible.

Giving to those in need is the perfect way of remembering the humble birth of Our Lord.  Donate food to a food pantry or to those in need.  Remember our Giving Tree which helps so many families.

By slowing down our celebrations we allow time for them to have real meaning.