I am not shy to admit that I have had a difficult time over the years with the dichotomy of two distinct seasons (Advent and Christmas) being celebrated by some at the same time. Advent always begins on the Sunday following the Solemnity of Christ the King and ends on December 24 each year.  "Christmas" for some begins whenever retail merchants and individuals want it to begin. That used to be the day after Thanksgiving, but has started now earlier than that, and, at times, much earlier. Over the years of my priesthood, especially after I became a pastor for the first time, I have tried to promote to parishioners celebrating these two seasons as they are listed on the "Church" calendar with the Christmas season starting on December 25 and ending officially on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. The fact that it ends with the celebration of Jesus's Baptism as an adult in the Jordan River says to us that it (the Christmas Season in the Church) is not just about a baby (Jesus) who was born in Bethlehem, but the manifestation of Jesus as the Son of the Most High which is proclaimed to Mary and Joseph through the message of an angel even before Jesus was born. During my priesthood, I have run into more than a little opostion from church groups when I have tried to get them to schedule "Christmas Gatherings" during the Church Christmas Season and, therefore, focus on Advent and the themes of Advent (waiting, hoping, anticipating and preparing for Jesus' coming in glory) not only at Mass but in other settings at church in the days leading up to the Christmas season. In almost all instances I have been rebuffed and opposed by those who say "we've always done it this way or at this time" (before December 25) when having their "Christmas celebrations. I have now come to the realization and acceptance that people want to celebrate Christmas in various church and other public and private venues during the Advent Season and in the days and even weeks before December 25. Accepting the fact that most of these gatherings are not focused primarily on Jesus's birth in Bethlehem (though some of the music is) I still feel it is important for ALL OF US to spend time individually and as family "getting ready" for Christ's coming again and allow the space and time to welcome him and his way of love, mercy, generousity & more into our daily lives. Finally, take advantage of ways here and elsewhere to help people in need. Does this make an otherwise busy time (shopping, Christmas parties etc.) busier? Perhaps so! My suggestion and encouragement is to put Advent activities first on the list of priorities and, if you choose to do so, find time for these other activities after that. When we put the Lord first everyday and in every season, everything else finds its proper place and will hopefully be a blessing to us and to others!