That was the title of the Advent Silent Retreat I went to in December of 2005. It was lovely. Imagine forty women not talking to each other through five meals? I loved it. No obligation to make small talk. All the time in the world to focus 100% on communion with the Beloved. Making room at Christmas for Him. It is what I strive to do.

I used to be so intent on not being too busy with the whole holiday thing that I would even wrap all my presents in August. During one heatwave…