I don't seem to actually need the advent calendars, but I still have the advent wreath, sort of (not enough conifers around), and I certainly still go for the cookie baking and decoration making.

The difference between us is probably that I never believed. It was never about Christianity in my family. It's a pagan bringing-light-to-the-darkness and reconnecting with family and friends festival. Transposing that to early summer is what's been tricky.

I'm now so split-minded that for me a "real" Christmas should be dark and cold but a "real" New Year's should involve a pool, and watermelon. I don't think I'll ever manage both :-).