advent–noun

from the Latin adventus

meaning “coming”or arrival

especially of something extremely important

In mountain climates like ours, we have no choice but to “prepare” for the upcoming holidays of light given that they serve as the threshold of winter–no matter what our religious affiliation (or lack thereof.)

For New Englanders, it’s time for snow tires and scrapers, woolen socks and mittens, down comforters and flannel sheets, the wood pile and the woodstove, the plow poles and the shovels–and a deeper affection for the summer basil and the berries buried deep in the freezer.

The gardening books are returned to their shelves, and the poetry takes their place on the coffee table. Long neglected novels are unearthed at bedsides, and snuggling “in” supplants late nights at the pond.

All this preparation makes me wonder about those in warmer climates: How do they welcome the Season of Advent?

On this first Sunday, I light a candle to remind me of the warmth I want to create inside for the long months to come. I resurrect my yoga and meditation practice to soften the dark edge of short days, and I nurture hearth and home with breads in the oven and soups on the stove. Early dinners are shared with friends, and leisurely weekend breakfasts replace the flurry of summer activity.

But what of the rhythms of those without this kind of deep winter? How do they reset their internal clocks for this time of preparation and renewal?

There are certainly those of us would love to join them in their warmer climates. The onslaught of winter can feel imprisoning, especially as the snow piles climb and encroach upon house and road–and psyche. Some friends shorten their sentence by escaping, even for a week or two. And yet there is something about staying…

In this place of white, the world becomes silent, demanding a depth of present-ness, gifting those who are willing to be still.

(How do you ready yourself for winter’s turning in?)

~

December 2018, join an online (and snail mail) journey for women through the Season of Advent.
Find out more here.