I've decided to take these four ideas to heart and set myself Christmas Goals. 

Worship Fully:

As someone who often sings in December services rather than participates, it's so easy to forget why I'm really there - not just for the Christmas music, but to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  Not only am I going to try to be fully present in all worship services I attend, but I think this is an opportune time to expand my spirituality in general.  I've decided that in the few weeks of lull time after Christmas, I'm going to go to a few Buddhist services, and have been talking to a friend about going with her and her boyfriend to a Muslim service (something I've been wanting to do forever!).  I'm a Methodist at heart - but I've just been feeling an urge to branch out and strengthen my faith by exposing myself to different spiritual backgrounds.  

Spend Less and Give More:

I particularly love the ideas of spending less, yet giving more, in terms of Christmas presents.  I think of it as paying it forward - last year I made donations for the majority of my gifts to others, and picked organizations that really spoke to what they were passionate about.  Of course, I still bought a few material things for people, but rather than feeling the typical consumer guilt I experience when I spend a lot, I felt thrilled to be giving money to people who need it much more than I do.  This year, besides donations, I think individual time makes for a wonderful present.  It's free, and means so much more.  

Love All:

This year I want to challenge myself to take someone I normally wouldn't spend time with out for coffee.  Definitely easier said that done for a variety of reasons, but I'm going to hold myself accountable to this - I think Love All is the most important idea behind Advent Conspiracy! 

Happy advent conspiring to you all!