Did you score some amazing deals on Black Friday or Cyber Monday?
I'm sure many people filled their proverbial sleighs with lots of toys and goodies for Christmas gifts. There was no Black Friday shopping for me — too much chaos — but to those of you who endured, I salute you.
Now, with all of your treasures in hand, it is time to wrap them and, in some cases, ship them to the appropriate destination.
And Christians are observing the season of Advent, the period of preparation and reflection on the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Webster's 1828 online dictionary states that Advent "is intended as a season of devotion, with reference to the coming of Christ in the flesh."
Many churches decorated over the weekend for the season, with the traditional hanging of the greens.
How do you celebrate Advent?
My husband, Jim, and I have a traditional Advent wreath, and we try to keep our focus on Christ, rather than the hustle and bustle of the season.
Far from hustle and bustle are upcoming local events to celebrate this joyous time.
For instance, the Main Street Crestview Association and city of Crestview's Christmas Parade is set for 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 on Main Street.
And Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church's living nativity is set for 5:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 at 8115 Fourth St.
Look in the newspaper and see what events are taking place that you and your family would enjoy.
Make some family memories, and take pictures to record those special moments.
Janice Lynn Crose lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.
What: Main Street Crestview Association and city of Crestview's Christmas Parade
When: 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5
Where: Main Street, Crestview
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What: Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church's living nativity
When: 5:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12
Where: 8115 Fourth St., Laurel Hill
WANT TO GO?
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CROSE: Make Christmas memories — and take pictures