A couple of weeks ago I snuggled on the couch with my daughter and watched A Charlie Brown Christmas, the wonderful 1965 classic.

When I heard Charlie Brown utter these words: “I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus. Christmas is coming, but I’m not happy. I don’t feel the way I’m supposed to feel. . . “ I thought to myself, “That’s exactly how I’ve been feeling lately.” I wasn’t feeling the instant joy and happiness that supposedly arrives at 4 am or some crazy hour on Black Friday.

It’s not that I didn’t know the true meaning of Christmas. Celebrating Christ’s birth is a big part of our tradition. But the older I get, the excitement and joy of the Christmas extras dim a little. Once upon a time, I was the seasonal cheer-leader in my family. Lately, it takes me awhile to catch the spirit of the Christmas rush.

But that’s okay. I know it will come. I just need a little adventing.

Last year I realized an important thing about Advent, the season to prepare for Christmas. It’s a process. Advent is four weeks long for a reason. We don’t have to have everything ready on Thanksgiving weekend. The marketers try to spur us into action right after Halloween, but my brain doesn’t shift seasons that fast. I need to play a little music, light some candles, put up the tree, and pull out my nativity scenes to get into the mood. It helps even more to bask in my kids’ excitement, watch little ones sing Christmas carols, and snuggle on the couch with some hot tea, admiring the sparkly tree. Giving a little service to others also makes a big difference. Sure enough, by mid-December or so, I’m singing the songs and scurrying around in joyful preparation.

My friend Patty shared another piece that got me thinking. We typically think of Advent as a time of waiting for Christ’s coming. But according to my faith, Christ has already come. Christmas isn’t about presents and parties or even happy family time-it’s about God connecting with us right here on our level-Immanuel. It happened over two thousand years ago, and it still applies today.

So maybe it doesn't make sense to wait for God; God is already here. Perhaps advent -the waiting part- is God waiting for us. We just need to get through our hustle and bustle rituals, then slow down, take a breather, and notice.

Maybe that’s why the peace tends to finally come upon me in the quiet of a candlelight Christmas Eve service, after the work is done, and I give myself permission to notice God’s presence.

I have a week to go. He’s waiting. For the rest of this advent, I will try to take notice. ______________________ Looking for inspiration? Check out these two amazing projects that shift away from commercialism and bring back the spirit of giving: Christmas Change: a season of change, a life of return The Advent Conspiracy ______________________ Pam Stout writes musings about faith, family and the flux of life at BeyondJustMom and wishes you wonderful, peaceful holidays, whatever your traditions may be. Connect with her at pam@beyondjustmom.com.