Advent 2023

"Our wreaths and ribbons and colored lights,

our giving of gifts, our parties with friends -- 

these have never been ends in themselves.

They are but small ways in which we repeat 

that sounding joy first proclaimed by angels 

in the skies near Bethlehem."

~Douglas McKelvey, "Every Moment Holy"

 

We wanted a unique way to say thank you to the CARTI staff for the many compassionate ways they serve their patients. So, we asked for permission to play Christmas carols in the lobby just after one of my radiation treatments. In a place usually filled with a mixture of fear, exhaustion, and sadness, we made music that proclaimed joy and hope.

One of my cello students (who makes me smile every single week!) also wanted to make joyful Christmas music, so he and his friend met me at a retirement home where they often play, and we performed Christmas music for the residents.

Some of our Advent traditions are more fun when shared.

Like fondue.

We joined some friends to sing Christmas carols and ring the Salvation Army bell outside a department store.

We continued the beloved tradition of new Christmas pajamas, reminding ourselves to be clothed with compassion and patience and kindness.

Looking back at pictures of this tradition also reminds me of how much Katherine has grown!

St. Nicholas Day always reminds us to be generous and share with those around us.

Making purse cookies is another Advent tradition that reminds me of how much our family has grown and changed during the years that we've been incorporating the practice of Advent into our family culture.