Christmas is less than a week away. And, as has become the norm, the influences, distractions and stimuli have potentially engulfed us. As Catholics, we do our best to make the Advent season one of preparation and anticipation, not so much hustle and bustle. The primary reason? So that we can experience a deep and lasting joy when Christmas Day finally arrives. How good are you at achieving that? Do the many trappings of the holidays, sometimes tense family moments, and countless things that have to be done, lessen the joyful feelings you have on the birthday of Jesus? Let’s talk about this on Thursday.