Today is the First Sunday of Advent bringing about new possibilities, new understanding, and fresh starts. "The future starts today, not tomorrow." – said Pope John Paul II
The First Sunday of Advent is considered the most important of the four Advent Sundays because it is when the preparations for Christmas and the Advent of Jesus Christ begin.
Kids begin opening their Advent calendars on this day, counting down the days until Christmas by opening a different window on each day that has different chocolate or treat behind it.
This is also the day when the first candle of the Advent wreath is lit. The wreath, made with a branch from a fir tree, usually has four candles for the four Sundays of advent. The 4 candles of Advent names are Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace, representing the virtues Jesus brought us.
When all candles are lit we know that Christmas is here.
Wonder and joy, peace and love…. may Christmas fill our Besste Friends grateful hearts and homes with all good things.
Ring in a New Year comes with tons of excitement, anticipation and, of course, champagne.
We ring in the New Year by watching The Vienna New Year's Concert which is an annual concert of classical music performed by the Vienna Philharmonic on the morning of New Year's Day in Vienna, Austria.
Skating on the Rideau Canal drinking hot chocolate and eating a sweet treat such as Beaver Tail is the best way to spend the rest of the day. Beaver Tail is a ball of dough stretched into a long, flat oval, fried in oil and served in a paper sleeve. Adults usually stick to a mix of sugar and cinnamon to be sprinkled on top, kids like it with Nutella spread. It makes for an especially brilliant snack when you have spent the time outside enjoying the fresh weather. Check out the the longest natural ice rink in the world next time you find yourself in Ottawa during the cold season.
Dear Besste Friends, Hope your holidays are filled with joyful moments, warm traditions, and everything that makes the season bright.