Something about burning through that pink candle during the third week of Advent always transports my mood further into the heart of Christmas.Other stimuli help: practicing Christmas Vigil music with the choir (this year, lots of French carols), a sugar frosting of snow on the landscape, chocolate, balsam and bayberry scented candles, claret-colored poinsettias.
The tree is up and awaits decoration -- a prayer in progress during the fourth week of Advent.
