by Diane Tracey Flook
Honestly, Advent, can we be real? Over the years, you and I have had a complicated love-hate relationship. I loved you once. I really did. As a young girl I was mesmerized by the moments and memories that led up to Christmas. I remember expectantly waiting for my...
by Megan McDonough
When it comes to Christmas, I am one of those people fully entrenched in the Christmas season. It’s a special time of year where lights, glitter, and an obsession with penguins is acceptable. As soon as mid-November hits, I’m ready for Christmas music, movies, and...
by Peter Cress
If you are like most Americans, you started your Christmas shopping this week. I like the challenge of getting just the right gift. Sometimes, I’ll choose a practical gift—perhaps a domestic appliance or a garage tool that will make life easier. Sometimes I will...
by Ruth Burke
Mary: anglicized form of Maria, which is derived from the Hebrew Miryām (“sea of bitterness” or “sea of sorrow”). Considering how important naming is in the Biblical narrative, one wonders why parents would ever name their child Maria/Mariam/Miriam/Mara. The name...
by Josh Anguiano
Honestly, Advent, you snuck up on me. In my hustle and bustle, I TOTALLY forgot about you. And yet, here you are. Your presence slams the brakes on SO MUCH that I need to do. The shopping, the cooking, the parties, my work. ALL those things that divide my attention....
by Raewyn Orlich
The Christmas I was 10, we decided to travel from Michigan to New Jersey to spend the holidays with family. This was not the first time we had made the 11 or 12-hour drive. This was the first time we had decided to travel via Greyhound. We packed our suitcases and...
