Holy days or hectic days?

As we approach the Christmas holiday season, do we feel a deep quietness and joy? Or are we caught up in the shopping and social activities that too often dominate this season? Do we find ourselves counteracting the commotion or contributing to it? Are we experiencing holy days or hectic days? In the home of a friend of mine, extensive preparations were being made for a large family gathering on Christmas Day, and the little preschooler in the family had been told of the many relatives who would be coming. On Christmas Eve the mother, following an ancient custom, placed a candle in the window, telling the little fellow she was doing this to light the way for the baby Jesus.