First Sunday of Advent

 

 Today is the first Sunday of  Advent and the official start of the festive season in our home.  It has been a longstanding tradition that I try to get the tree and decorations up on Advent Sunday and I actually achieved that goal a bit early this year.   In the past I’ve waited for the exact day, which can often be a mistake when energy levels are so unpredictable.  When the energy is there, the job has to be done because there might not be another opportunity.  I learned that lesson the hard way a few years ago when Christmas really didn’t happen for us.  I waited too long to start the preparations and wasn’t able to do any of the things that make the season special.  Christmas without a tree or a single decoration was truly sad.  

The first candle of Advent represents hope.  How fitting that is for anyone with ME or another chronic illness at this time of year.  Besides the kinds of hope that most people feel, we approach December with the hope that we will be well enough to feel some measure of enjoyment during this special season.  It will be a very difficult time of year for many and probably all of us will be reminded to some degree of what we have lost to illness,   I truly am fortunate, though.  The time between now and Christmas Day will be pretty quiet for me, but I know that I will be well enough this time to indulge in many things that bring me true happiness during the Season.  Even if I’m stuck in bed some of the time, the simple pleasures like Christmas music, movies and special TV programs, a few treats to nibble on, and Christmas tea to sip, will still be accessible.  When I’m able to be up, sitting on the sofa beside the sparkly, brightly lit Christmas tree makes my heart sing.  If I’m very, very, very lucky, I might be able to get out for a little tour of Christmas lights.  Fingers crossed!   

“Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops at all.”
― Emily Dickinson