I am writing this article in the middle of December, a time when winter is just around the corner, the days are short, and nothing particularly eventful seems to be happening. This quiet season has given me a chance to reflect on what lies ahead and why it feels important.

In December, most Christian denominations observe Advent. The word ‘Advent’ comes from the Latin ‘Adventus’, which means arrival. Traditionally, Christians used this time to prepare for the arrival of Jesus Christ. Advent typically begins on the 4th Sunday before Christmas and is a season focused on joyful waiting. For Christian communities following the Gregorian calendar, Advent ends on the 24th of December, as they prepare for the celebration of Christmas.

Advent became important to me after I returned to the Catholic Church. Before, I didn’t focus much on preparing for Christmas beyond baking gingerbread or decorating the house, nothing on a spiritual level. Over time, I started to appreciate this time more and more. Before Advent begins, I take time to think about what to do. I don’t make huge resolutions that I know I won’t be able to keep. This year I decided to cut out sweet things to zero. The purpose is to train my will and resist temptation. During this time I also try not to party or drink. But this is about self-discipline. On a spiritual level, I pray more, reflect on the mystery of God, and draw closer to the divine. I find this to be a great challenge, especially in today’s world where everything is easily accessible and there are few limits. However, I feel that by preparing in this way, I am better ready to celebrate one of the best festivals of the year.

Throughout the year, each of us waits for something. Sometimes it’s a birthday, a holiday or some special event. Sometimes, it feels as though life is just a series of moments spent waiting for the next big occasion. When I visit my grandma for coffee, we often talk about how another special moment is approaching, New Year, Easter, summer. And it always brings us to the same realization: time is passing by, and we’re always waiting for something new. I think people today rarely take the time to reflect or rethink their lives. The commercialized, rushed world feels unstoppable. 

I’ve noticed that, starting around the middle of November, Christmas decorations begin appearing in supermarkets. There are so many items, and while the decorations are beautiful, I wonder if they truly reflect the essence of Christmas. Also, if you want to focus on preparing for Christmas in December, it’s difficult. Everywhere you go, you’re bombarded with Christmas songs, decorations, and festive foods. In such a commercialized world, it’s hard to wait and reflect. I believe starting the Christmas “mood” so early can leave people feeling “tired” by the time Christmas actually arrives. I decorate my home usually on the 23rd or 24th of December, to celebrate Christmas at its true moment, not before. 

People, myself included, look forward to starting a “new life” at the beginning of the year. Right now, you can see a lot of TikToks with the videos that gyms are empty, but come New Year, they will fill up with beginners who aren’t quite sure how to exercise. Many people make New Year’s resolutions because they feel a need to change their lives. But why does changing the date matter so much? It seems that we are just looking for an excuse to start. However, starting the year with a fresh mindset can be a great way to motivate ourselves and plan for the future. At the end of each year, I take a walk to reflect on the past year. I think about the things I’d like to improve and set my New Year’s resolutions. I don’t believe that making a radical change all at once is effective. Instead, I focus on making small, gradual changes.

In our rushed lives, taking time to stay present and reflect is not easy but important. Special moments, like those we experience during holidays, help us keep good mental health and encourage us to think beyond ourselves. While some may view reflection as an obligation, it is actually a way to improve ourselves. Maybe this holiday season, such as Christmas, Easter, or another occasion, is the perfect time for you to pause and reflect.

Special times which we have during help to stay in good mental health and also think about something bigger than us. Some of us can think of this as an obligation but actually it is for improving ourselves. Maybe this is your time to pause and reflect, weather during Christmas, before Easter or another occasion.

Јakub Pokuciński