Advent Conspiracy

I've had this cartoon cut out of the newspaper for years. Probably about 15 to be exact. I used to have it hanging on my bulletin board in high school! I found it recently and thought how appropriate the timing. If all I got for Christmas were a bunch of cards from friends and family I would love it!

This year we have talked a lot at church about the Advent Conspiracy. The idea is to bring more meaning back into the holiday rather than just giving gifts because our culture demands it. Most of our Christmas traditions come from the commercialization of the holiday anyway. So some are looking at buying at least one less meaningless present and giving more of their 'presence' to friends and family. In our high tech virtual world there isn't much real contact with people and what better time to really enjoy each others company than Christmas.

So this year at least one side of our family adhered to the call and instead of trading gifts we gave to a worthy cause in someone's name. Mostly the worthy cause was dear to that person so it made it more meaningful. The kids of course got lots of gifts but one of our best times was just going to the zoo with cousins or playing with the same 3 toys all day with some other cousins. Taylor and Lilly I think had a great time.

I am worn out from lots of driving, cleaning, cooking, packing and more cleaning. I love this time and I loathe it just because things get so crazy. I do enjoy the time with family and friends though. I pray that next year we see things get even more simple and meaningful. Let's all conspire together on ways to bring more 'presence' into our holidays all year!