It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you…yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand. — Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

What do bagpipes have to do with Advent? Apparently in Italy, of all places, quite a lot. During the last few days of Advent, bagpipe players (also known as Calabrian pifferari) travel to various Christian shrines around Italy and play music. This symbolizes the shepherds who (in the Italian tradition) would have played music before the manger of the baby Jesus. Remember, the bagpipe used to be made out of a sheep's stomach. Take a listen here.