It’s not first among my pet peeves, but it’s up there: Americans totally ignore the season of Advent. I first really noticed this when I was in Rome in December, and there just wasn’t the same type of shopping spree. The Italians have the custom, common in Catholic countries, of exchanging gifts on the Epiphany, the day that the magi gave gifts to Jesus. Because their shopping deadline was January 6, their Advent just wasn’t as busy, or as materialistic (at least, that’s my theory). For the first time in my life, I was praying more in Advent, and eating a normal amount–and it made Christmas seem much more special.
Reblogging from a few years ago, because still needs to be said: This is Advent, not the Christmas season!
Let Advent Be Advent
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