I love sharing this memory and do so every year. It was such a meaningful event in my life that I want to share it with everyone, every year. So here it is again. This blog originally appeared on November 30, 2018. I have edited this version just a little. I hope that you enjoy it and that it helps to make your Advent season more meaningful and special. 

  
I do love this season. I love the music, the decorations, the trees, the excitement, the preparation, the waiting, and I love the reason! I have had this love all my life. 

 
This is one of my special Advent memories. During my first year at St. Bernard High School then located in New London Connecticut, our homeroom time doubled as religion class. 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 (sic) me’ (Matt. 18:5)” 

So, I put all my family’s names (at that time, there were 7 kids) 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 often that she was so surprised to see her bed made when she went back into her bedroom. She talked about what an immense help that was for her. She may have known that it was either me or my sister Francine, but she never spoiled the activity. She was amazed when we revealed the pairings. 

Mrs. von Trapp 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. However, sometimes I lose track of why this is the most wonderful time of the year. It is wonderful because it is the birthday of the Christ, the Son of God. The God who loves you unconditionally. Can we keep the tradition of Christkindl alive now and into the future? Happy Advent! 

 Terri