Summer is in the air

I really love this time of year for a number of reasons. I love Summer - it is my favourite season. It is light, it is warm and because the school year ends, we spend much of Summer on holidays! I also love this time of year because we are moving closer to Christmas. I always have mixed feelings at this time of year, but for the first time this year, I am trying to keep very upbeat. I love the celebrations with family and friends. I love the liturgies at Church and in particular the beautiful classical music inspired by the coming of and the birth of Jesus. I love the simplicity of the season and I love to be able to help those who could never give me anything in return. That is what I really love about Christmas. What I don't like about this time of year is the excessive marketing of a religious season. It infuriates me that the 'image' of Christmas is about how the table is decorated, the size of the gifts, the clothing that one wears, the amount of food on the table... the 'image' construed by the marketing people in no way bears any resemblance to the season. Having worked for charity organisations in the past and continuing to assist where I can, I know how these images of Christmas can make those already living on the poverty line, feel stress and anxiety about the season.

This year, I have tried to not let the corporatisation of Christmas bother me so much. I am doing this, because I feel that the anxiety it causes me doesn't necessarily help to change the situation. I realise that I need to continue as I always have, trying to be an example of what Christmas really means. As imperfect a person as I am, I am enjoying Advent and preparing for Christmas. I hope that your preparations are going well!