Why Should We Care About Advent Instead of Jumping Right into Christmas?

Plus some ideas to get started

So what’s the point of Advent? Why should we care about it instead of just jumping right into Christmas? As someone who gets sucked into sappy, corny Christmas movies even before Thanksgiving, I can’t say that I haven’t fallen prey to this myself. However, even though there’s this so called ‘magic’ that the movies and ads and social media associate with Christmas, there’s always an underlying theme that we all relate to and even crave. It’s giving; giving of ourselves through time, gifts, and love. Naturally, people like to receive gifts in one form or another, but the inner hope is that the recipient of our gifts will make them happy.

When our son was little we’d watch him tear through his gifts on Christmas morning. He would squeal with excitement over everything he got. Yet there were times when he was still looking for the next thing, more, or ‘something else’. But when it was our turn to open something he made for us his demeanor changed. He was so hopeful; anticipating our reaction to receiving this thing he put so much thought into. That was the ‘more’ we couldn’t buy for him.

So what does any of this have to do with Advent? The readings at the beginning of Advent describe our own mortality and the coming of Jesus; not the end, but how we are called to persevere until that day comes. The saints exemplified this in their service to the people in their lives, to the poor, to the sick and the persecuted. In doing so, their faith transformed their lives. This is that ‘magic’, that deep rooted, innate, God-given gift of loving and serving others and, in turn, Him. Why? Because the purpose of our lives is not about us, it’s about God and His plan.

We’ve seen quite a few changes over the last several years, as did the people in our lives; some experienced death and suicide, others depression, addiction, loneliness, and estrangement. If you’ve read my other posts you can tell that I like to figure things out and help, but these were things that were well beyond our control, so prayer and encouragement were all we had to give. It could just as easily have been us in that situation and knowing that someone cares or has at least thought about you touches on that basic need for human connection. That’s when we started sending ‘cheer’ cards to the people in our lives (yes, I know, no one uses snail mail anymore and it does require stamps). But it matters. Just simple, inexpensive greeting cards for no special reason but to say hello and how are you?

Getting back to that ‘more’ that can’t be bought, each week our family lights the Advent candles and, instead of spending more and more money on Christmas gifts, we decided to plan out days of small gift-giving or doing something personal for each other, like making a favorite meal, homemade crafts, or wood projects made from my husband’s rather large collection of materials in the garage we lovingly refer to as his ‘store’. We include things like drive thru light shows or driving around looking at Christmas lights, drinking hot chocolate or eating homemade candy. The we top it off with our annual Christmas Eve Escape Room, for which I come up with a theme and set clues in the form of a poem or rhyme in a particular area of the house.

Lighting the Advent candles each week and participating in these more intimate acts has added a special connection for us during the Advent season. It does require more thought and even work, but isn’t that the point? “Therefore, you must also be prepared, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” Matthew 24:44. As the circular Advent Wreath represents the preparation for the coming of Jesus, we can share in the progression of God’s plan for salvation in the second coming of Jesus by serving Him and others.

So here are a few ideas below to jump start your Advent (ure)!

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Homemade Ideas To Show You Care During Advent:

1. Word search printouts (you can create your own, too). Print several and staple the left edge together like a booklet. For a personalized touch, you can print out a simple Advent or Christmas themed picture to put on top as a cover page with the person's name on it.

2. A snow globe can be made with in a variety of different ways and with objects and decorations you already have at home. Try including the Nativity scene.

3. Rosary bracelet or car rosary

4. A special treat like this creamy fudge

5. Coasters

6. Saint bookmark

“I’m Grateful For” Ornaments:

1. Cut 2” x 4” pieces of construction paper

2. Making stacks of the ornaments, punch a hole in the top of them (on the long edge)

3. Place the ‘ornaments’ in a bowl nearby with a pen

4. Each day every family member can write down what they are grateful for (from practical, like a car that runs, to personal, like the hug you received this morning)

5. Using a wire ornament hanger, hang the ornament on the tree (signed or anonymous)

6. Everyone is reminded of how you care for each other and the blessings in your life

Cheer Cards:

You can find simple “cheer” or "just because" cards for a dollar in many stores to let people know you’re thinking of them; send them to people you know, to the home bound, or put some in the donation box you’re dropping off at a shelter.

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