The first Sunday of Advent slips in quietly as HOPE

Some things arrive quietly, almost unnoticed but not insignificant.  Advent is one such thing, a reminder that we have but 4 Sundays to Christmas.

For many, the frenetic season of excess is in full swing but Advent brings a reminder to just pause, take stock & remind yourself that commercialism can be sidestepped, it is optional. 

I struggle with the excesses of the season, the idea that more is more in everything from gifts to food. 

I am from a generation where life was simpler in Africa; slower, no 24 hour shops or round the clock tv.  That is how I like the season - authentic, simpler but still meaningful. 

I grew up attending Sunday school & church, singing in the choir. I know all the words & the rituals that ground me & consider myself spiritual. It is very personal, I find my peace in quiet places & in still Abbey ruins locally. 

However, I do return to carols & observing rituals at Christmas, it anchors one in the collective observances. 

My Mothers paternal grandfather was German / Prussian & she instinctively observed some of the traditions from her Father who still carried some of the Teutonic ways of his ancestors. 

My Mother used to travel across Johannesburg to a specialist deli shop to purchase Advent calendars for my daughters long before they were mainstream. 

These were imported but she loved this ritual of giving them to the girls & enjoying their pleasure in opening the windows that all had religious symbols on them. 

Years ago, I bought fabric 'East of India' ones that I filled with small chocolates I purchased for the daughters; the little pockets means you have to be mindful of what will fit in. It was always the start of the season for me, the calendars filled & delivered to university residences & homes where the daughters were.

These fabric calendars were filled & passed to the grandchildren this weekend ahead of Advent. 

It is more personal selecting chocolates to fill each year than just a shop bought one. 

Today, I added greenery to my Advent ring from our garden, a few sprigs of holly from our little bush, some ivy & the starlike flower stems from the fatsia japonica. 

The first of the 4 candles will be lit as the sun fades today. Each week it will join the next until they all burn on the last Sunday. I have opted for creamy white & gold candles this year.

                     The first candle is for HOPE 

Today, pause & take stock of how you want the festive season to be & don't forget to add in some thankfulness too. 

Thank you for stopping by, it is always appreciated 

Dee 🕯️🎄✝️⛪️