Advent can seem to be defined by what it isn’t: a time of waiting while everyone else has started the party. We don’t even sing the Gloria (except this Saturday, for the Immaculate Conception).
But Holy Mother Church doesn’t leave us with nothing to do – there are many customs, ancient and modern, which can help us get into the Advent spirit. It’s a time for fasting (this could be something like getting off social media or not snacking between meals); almsgiving; and prayer (Advent devotions include the O Antiphons, which begin on December 17).
