Advent

Advent refers to the 'coming' or 'arrival' of something or someone. Typically, we think of the birth of the Messiah, Who is Jesus, the Christ. This is one of my favourite times of the year, a time of expectation, of secrets, of staying up all night, creating, wrapping up those secrets. It is a time of greenery and tradition, making memories. I love the fact that Soe has her Ornament Making Party every year, reminding us of school days when school chums used to come to the house to make exquisite ornaments. My very favourite one was a tiny Christmas fairy, the details of which were extraordinary, and to whose front had been glued two beads of enormous proportion! (All modestly hidden under her paper dress!) One of the puppies, however, made short work of enjoying her for an Advent snack! This is the time when Christmas puddings are made, using the very best ingredients, and being careful not to be stingy with the orange brandy! Tradition tells us that all who stir the Christmas Pud will enjoy prosperity in the coming year! This would be the year, then, to come on over to my house on the Pudding Making Day, to put all your financial fears to rest!
This year is no exception to that presence of expectancy: somehow, there's a magic hush in the air. We are all anticipating the imminent birth of Emi and Kevin's first child, a miracle in the making! We're holding our breath, savouring each moment of each day. As a mother, I'm quietly following Emi's progression, and remembering...it truly is a miracle, with the birth of each new child.
Another memory is in the making: we, along with some of the family, shall all gather at Soe and Colin's new house to celebrate Christmas together. Sadly, Hannah will be unable to join us this year. Lucy and John shall come and join us, and maybe Baby Kouri will be here by then! Jerry and MariaLuisa may come too. What a time we'll all have! This is our first year without any parents/grandparents, so it'll be such a good thing to be together, to remember, to encourage.
Our little tree in the woods looks so beautiful, it seems to be heralding in this wonderful time of Advent, this time of mysteries and excitement..."How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given!"