The day I saw my mom eating the Santa cookies on the plate was one of the most horrific days of my life. — Halle Berry

Purple or blue? Some Advent wreaths have three purple candles and one pink, while others have three blue candles and one pink. Why the difference? The Lutheran Book of Worship lists blue as the preferred color for Advent and the Methodist Book of Worship identifies purple or blue as appropriate for Advent, while the Roman Catholic Church retains the traditional purple. Purple is associated most closely with penetential practices and probably has something to do with the origins of Advent being more Lent-like. There has been a trend toward supplanting purple with blue during Advent as it is a hopeful season of preparation that anticipates both Bethlehem and the consummation of history in the second coming of Jesus Christ. But for now, at least for Roman Catholics, the purple remains.

Today, buy a cup of coffee, a sandwich, or even Christmas cookies for someone who doesn’t expect it.