Not Christmas. Not Yet.

Not Christmas. Not Yet.

Before the lights, before the feasting, before the joy of Christmas morning,there is Advent.

A quiet season. A sacred invitation.A time for waiting.

It can be easy to skip past it. To reach straight for the decorations and the sparkle and the fullness of December. But the Church, in her wisdom, offers us something different, a beginning that begins in the dark.

Advent isn’t a countdown to Christmas. It’s not just a festive lead-up to the big day. It’s a season all its own, and it invites us into something deeper.

We light candles slowly, week by week.We pray ancient prayers of longing.We prepare Him room, not just in our homes, but in our hearts.

This is a season for holy anticipation.Not because everything is already bright and joyful, but because we believe the Light is coming.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing gentle ways to mark the season at home: prayers and Scripture readings, simple traditions, recipes like St. Lucy’s Day buns, and small practices that help us live into Advent without rushing or pressure.

My hope is that by the time Advent arrives, you’ll feel prepared, not in a busy or performative way, but in that deep, quiet sense of readiness that Advent calls for.

So for now, hold off just a little longer on Christmas.

Let your heart begin with waiting.

It’s nearly time.

AND if you’d like help walking through the season of Advent, I’ve created a guidebook with everything you need to celebrate the season in your home.

In The Liturgical Home: Advent, is designed for individuals and families alike. This beautiful guide weaves together history, daily devotions, and beloved traditions and recipes from around the world, making it easy to honor Advent in meaningful ways at home.

Inside, you’ll discover:

• Daily devotions and prayers to guide you through each day of Advent

• The stories behind cherished Advent traditions, like the Advent wreath, St. Nicholas Day, and more

• Traditional recipes and activities from different around the world, perfect for bringing family and friends together

• A deeper look into the significance of Advent, helping you connect with its purpose and beauty

  
  

So this year, what if we did things a little differently? Let’s step off the fast track to December 25th and allow ourselves to journey through Advent with intention so that when Christmas finally arrives, we can enter it with open hearts and unhurried joy. Let’s reclaim the beauty of this special season and find, in its rhythm, a deeper and more meaningful way to celebrate.