I do love this season. I love the music, the decorations, the tree, the excitement, the preparation, the waiting and I love the reason! I have had this love all my life.
I want to share a special Advent memory. During my freshman year at St. Bernard High School, our homeroom time doubled as religion class. For Advent, we read Maria Von Trapp’s Around the World with the Von Trapp Family. Her chapter on Advent traditions struck a chord with me. I convinced my mother that we should also have one of these meaningful traditions in our home – Christkindl (Christ Child).

“Secret Santa or Angel” really doesn’t replicate the Von Trapp’s tradition which puts the Christ Child right into the center of their activities. The purpose is not to buy gifts, but to perform acts of kindness and love for the chosen one. In her book, Maria explains: “As I am performing these many little acts of love and consideration for someone in the family, I am really doing them for the Infant of Bethlehem, according to the word: ‘And he that shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me’ (Matt. 18:5) ”

So, I put all my family’s names on little slips of paper and put them in a bag. Each child and my mother drew a name. I’m not sure if my Dad drew a name, probably not. Dad prayed with us and went to church every Sunday with us, but this was outside of his comfort zone.

I drew my mother’s name! I was thrilled. I could do something secretly every day to help my mother. There was an endless list of opportunities in that category. I decided to make her bed in the morning while she was preparing breakfast. This was a good decision. She was so pleased. She mentioned it often and said what a big help that was for her. She may have guessed that it was I, but she never spoiled the moment.

Maria also notes that this practice is good not only for the receiver, but the giver. She was right. I can still remember the feeling of love and gratitude that fueled my bed-making activity. This is the example that the Christkindl tradition fosters selfless giving, love and respect just as the Christ child practiced in His home in Nazareth.

This is a special time of preparation. For me, it is important to remember why this it is the most wonderful time of the year. It is the birthday of the Christ, the Son of God. The God who loves you unconditionally.

Terri