Whoever wrote these words must have had a great sense of humor. While this is a wonderful, happy season, there are times over the weeks preceding Christmas that the state of being "jolly" becomes a personal decision. Because "'tis the season" for many other things as well.

For instance, every year there is a moment in the mall when, with list in hand or head, you look both ways unable to move. It is the pre-Christmas anxiety attack that has become a habit for me. There are so many shops that beckon and then, once you're inside, the decision-making process shuts down (too many choices, too high prices). There have been years when I simply turned around and walked out only to take a deep breath and start over another day with a new resolve.

'Tis the season…for Christmas cards and for many that means a picture of the family. Choosing a picture that suits everyone is not easy. Girls tend to moan and groan that they look fat or their hair is not right; boys simply smile and are usually very pleased with the outcome. Last year our picture was taken on Christmas morning, edited on the computer by the girls (for obvious reasons) and sent out so it arrived by New Year's Day, a practice that has become more popular over the years but one we are trying to avoid this year.

'Tis the season…for decorating which has come to mean transforming even the smallest space into a winter wonderland. This past weekend my husband and I, now part-time empty nesters, tackled the tree, the lights and everything else that needed to be done. To set the mood we put on Christmas music and ended up laughing ourselves silly. It was at least 85 degrees outside, the music spoke of snow and fireplaces and we were alone amidst more boxes of decorations than a mansion would need. We decided the children would not miss some of the things, so we streamlined.

These and other Christmas preparations can trigger great stress --- or not --- and that is a decision each of us has to make. I tend to go the way of stress, which is why I was so grateful for an e-mail message that arrived just in time to quell the anxiety beginning to stir.

The message came from my new son-in-law's uncle, a priest of many years, and now a busy designer and creator of liturgical vestments. He wrote:

"Things at the moment are pretty hectic but I think we will get everything done. In spite of the rush we are trying to keep our Advent traditions and our watching and waiting upon the Lord. We always make an Advent wreath out of various greens we collect from what the yard has to offer. We light the wreath each night, say our prayers and remember the wants and needs of family, friends and loved ones. We also try to keep in mind the many nameless we don't know and ask God to watch over them and keep them safe in his care. It is my favorite time of year. It is so full of yearning, longing, expectation and of a Hope fulfilled.

"This year, in particular, these traditions have meant a great deal with everything my Mom is going through. It seems that this year's Advent watching and waiting coincides with the watching and waiting that is my Mom's journey through the unknown and uncertain future. Maranatha has a whole new meaning both for me and I am sure for my Mom."

Maranatha is the Aramaic/Greek word for "Come, Lord Jesus," and due to the illness his mother is living with it certainly does take on a new meaning. It also reminded me that the frantic rush to get "things" done for Christmas was not nearly as important as remembering why we are rushing around.

"Come, Lord Jesus" is what we are celebrating. We are preparing to welcome Jesus into our homes and hearts, and Jesus does not care about the trees and lights or the cards and pictures. Jesus wants peaceful hearts and uncluttered minds so that he can speak to us and we can hear.

So in the midst of grocery and department store lines that wind through the aisles and the wrapping paper and ribbon strewn around the bedroom, before the parties or after, in these last few days before Christmas we would all be wise to dwell on the meaning of Maranatha in our own lives.

Anne Hansen is a parent education consultant and a parishioner at Blessed Junípero Serra Church, Camarillo. Her e-mail address is familymail@aol.com.