Yes, there is no need to rush to Christmas. And, with a little advance planning now, Advent can find its proper place on the calendar and in our hearts.  Here are some suggestions for a prayerful Advent Season:

Having a prayer plan is the most important Advent planning. 
Whether it be a personal choice from the many wonderful resources for Advent or a plan for prayer as a family, planning ahead can lead to a more peaceful, prayerful Advent. Parents of older children may want to include them in the planning for Advent devotions.
 
Don’t forget the feast days that come in December.  Among the many days for celebration, we have many feasts as well as the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  Spending some days in Advent celebrating the feasts of these holy men and women is not just a teachable moment for the family.  These are tangible celebrations – not random days of the vague ‘holidays’ season. Not only are these days faith-filled and fun days, but they are also great moments for evangelization as we share the reason for our celebrations.
 
Remember that Christmas is more than one day and plan accordingly.  While secular media pulls the Christmas rug out from under us on the 24 ^th of December, we know that the 25 ^th of December is just the beginning of our Christmas celebration.  Just as we should not rush to Christmas, we should ignore the cultural influences that try to rush us past this holy season.
 
Fr. Dan