I have always been a strict adherent to the “no-Christmas-decorations-before-Advent” philosophy. I value the character-building and spiritual aspects of waiting. Advent is our faith’s gift of encouraging us to make time to restrain, to reflect and to prepare not only our homes but our souls for Christmas.

Then, along came 2020!

It goes without saying that this year has induced more than spiritual waiting. Since Lent, we have been physically, mentally, and emotionally challenged. We have waited for the chance to gather with others. We have restrained from hugs. In a nutshell, we have done without. These and many more difficulties have led us to reflect upon - and miss - so many simple things that we once took for granted.

When in-person Easter Masses and gatherings were suspended, we foolishly hoped things would be back to normal by the time Christmas rolled around. Now, we ask ourselves what “normal” really means, and if it will ever have the same definition again.

So, in true 2020 style, Advent started prematurely in our home this year. Decorations were pulled out two weeks earlier than usual, cards were completed, and gifts were mailed all before the first Sunday of Advent. Admittedly, this year’s organizational plan was augmented by our significantly reduced activity schedule; however, my early preparation was not only rooted in “found time,” but in the desire to find joy amid the pandemic’s anxiety and difficulties. Based on conversations with friends and family, I know that I am not alone.

I love feeling prepared for Christmas, yet moments of emptiness and sadness continue to creep into my mind. As I decorate a banister, I go from enjoying the activity to realizing that no one will enter our front door and even see the festive touches, let alone use the banister to climb the stairs and spend time in our home. As I decorate the dining room, I am reminded that our usual guests will not be breaking bread with us any time soon. As I purchase gifts, I wonder when I will see faraway relatives and friends again. Even hearing Christmas music, at the grocery store, has brought tears to my eyes.

Throughout the ups and downs, I am reminded that uncertainty and an extended period of preparation “in the darkness” are what Advent is really about. Before Christ’s coming, generations prepared yet waited in uncertainty because they did not know when the Messiah would come. Our ancestors didn’t focus on preparations in order to impress guests, but to ready their hearts for the Messiah. Many never saw the end of that waiting period.

I feel anxious about the uncertain timeframe for the pandemic; yet, at the same time, my anxiety is put to rest in knowing that Jesus came. The pandemic has not changed this reality, nor has it removed our hope in his second coming. If there is anything good about this period it is that we have been gifted the time to get in touch with our faith, to sacrifice to protect others, and to reflect on the true priorities in our lives.

My emotions vacillate from knowing I will miss our family gatherings and many Christmas traditions of fellowship, to feeling content with the idea of staying home and focusing on what Christmas really means. I may find myself emotional at times (laughing one minute and fighting tears the next), but deep down I realize that these responses are natural side effects of true self-reflection.

As Christians, we know that the Communion of Saints is greater than even the loveliest gathering here on earth. We also know that the preparation of our hearts is more important than the states of our homes, and that the birth of a Saviour – the promise of eternal life – is a far greater gift than any found under a tree.

This Christmas, may we find the joy and light, as we savour the opportunities to reflect on our priorities. Let us start by focusing on the ultimate goal of eternal life, followed by all those simple things we once took for granted – things which really never have been so “simple” after all.