The Advent season that wasn´t

Christmas is approaching! But most of the time, I can´t tell.

I ask myself, "How do I usually know that Christmas is coming?"

Well, there is the snow falling in beautiful, fluffy flakes. I definitely missed that cue if it ever happened out here. I am getting used to sweating at all times, seeking out shade and breezes and fans automatically. The pattern of getting up early, staying up late, and sleeping the midday away makes more sense now than ever.

Then there is the cue of cheesy Christmas music on the radio, starting about a month before it should. That definitely didn´t happen here. Radio music is still reggaeton beats and the occasional romantic song from the 90´s or before. Christmas music here means "We wish you a merry Christmas." You think I´m kidding, but I am not.

There are the decorations of pine and red ribbon and glass ornaments. Nope, not here. On the rare occasions that I see them, it´s in big stores that are imitating the West. My favourite thing is the surprisingly popular icicle-style Christmas lights that dangle in strings. I love them in Winnipeg and I love them here.

Family traditions like baking and decorating cookies, setting up the tree, and celebrating at huge gatherings... All of those are obviously not going to happen here. I am on another continent than my family, so fair enough.

More than anything -- even more than the snow and lights that I love -- I miss the way the Church anticipates Christmas back in Canada. Here the concept of Advent is one that requires explaining. The Mennonite churches, at least, don´t do anything unusual. Sundays in December are like every other Sunday. The person preaching picks some passages to be read and preaches on a theme. But in my mind, this is supposed to be the Advent season. I miss lighting candles. I miss progressively decorating. I miss the familiar passages and the atmosphere rife with anticipation. I want to feel like Christmas is coming!!!

To be honest, I fear Christmas will be no big deal at all in the church here. I am happy to be rid of all the consumeristic baggage attached to Christmas in Canada... but not to be rid of Christmas entirely. It makes me really sad to be missing out on the benefit of a church-led Advent season.

It looks like this year, if I want Advent to be meaningful, it will be a do-it-myself event. Anybody got candles?