Different kind of ‘me time’ an alternative to bustle of daily life

COME December, anyone in our house at 7am will witness a ruthless pursuit — a mission by men to get what they want.

I’m talking, of course, about the feverish race to gobble the day’s chocolate from the Advent calendar.

That’s what this month is all about to three boys under five — finally, chocolate for breakfast.

This week I learned about the “other” meaning of Advent — a season observed in many Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas.

The term is a version of the Latin word meaning “coming”.

Not quite as frenzied as first thing in the morning at our house — and in households with kids all over Dundee.

The other week, I visited St Paul’s Church in the city centre for the first time in a while.

Even bouncing kiddies on my knees, it afforded a certain calmness in a world where heads spin with texts and television and lists of things to-do and to-don’t.

For some, religion is deeply personal. It may mean lighting a candle or saying a silent prayer.

It may mean participating in fundraising for the church or helping with the soup kitchen (one woman even used pheasants for her delicious offering). This is a favourite time of year for many but it’s also an exceptionally hard time for those who remember loved ones no longer here.

Like so many others (it’s a modern illness, I’m sure), I’m always flying about, saying there aren’t enough minutes in the day.

But what fills our day? Appointments, work, calls, emails. How much of it enriches our lives?

This month, I can’t wait for a church service — perhaps without the wee ones — to get lost in the harmony of the choir, the minister’s words and my own thoughts.

Forget the spa (well actually, let’s not... that would be amazing if anyone is stuck for present ideas), there’s an entirely different “me time” — and I can’t wait to take a pew.