the reason for the season

a couple years ago, i got an 'advent calendar' from trader joe's

i was excited for my first one; i never had one as a child

naturally, i had no idea what i was doing and wondered when to start

the first day of advent

easy. no problem. when is that? 

late november

but, there are only 24 little dates/boxes/chocolates on my calendar

ooooooo

IT'S NOT A REAL ADVENT CALENDAR

IT'S A DECEMBER COUNTDOWN-TO-CHRISTMAS CALENDAR

-_-

we obviously enjoy a season of preparation, but it's clearly been misappropriated from the church, the kalendar, and the real reasons for preparation.

(note to self: write a post about lent)

trader joe's (and i'm sure countless others) make 'advent calendars'

magazines even create faux advent calendars, like the love advent calendar.

if we really want or need this preparation, for what exactly are we preparing?