I think it's time for Christians to ignore the concept of Christmas being "over" on December 26th. Advent may be a hectic time but that period between Christmas Day and the Feast of the Epiphany could really be a great time to focus on Christ's birth without the distractions. That's what I plan to do this year. And who knows, maybe some year soon I will pull it all together and have a peaceful Advent too!
That's a really good point, Kelley. My kids and I heard a great homily on that topic right at the beginning of Advent. We always leave our tree up until the Epiphany, but I had never really given serious thought to focusing on the time between Christmas Day and the Epiphany as anything other than heaving a huge sigh and being glad all the madness is over. (Well, actually, I hit that point on Christmas Eve, but basically, I need to stop getting so stressed out during Advent and focus on what is truly important -- although it would help if I were better organized.,)
This is my most disorganized Christmas ever -- I haven't even finished my shopping yet; UGH. I can't do any until I finish work today; I'm so far behind. And I want to make everything nice for the kids, who are still hurting.