How our family celebrates Advent

This year we are going to add a new tradition to our family for Advent. We will be praying the O Antiphons each evening from Dec. 17th until Dec. 23rd. I want to thank Katherine for inspiring me to make this "O Antiphon"  house. I know this will  help us prepare better for Christmas.

You can download daily activities to celebrate the "O Antiphons" here:

Download o_antiphons.doc

Here are other ways we celebrate the season of Advent. Just click on the link to see the pictures.

Gifts for Baby Jesus

O Antiphon Activities 

The Advent Wreath

The Nativity Scene

The Christ Candle

The Jesse Tree

You can find these and other ideas from Celebrating the Faith in the Home: Advent and Christmas for the Christian Family , by Teresa Zepeda and Laurie Navar Gill.

Feast Days in Advent

St. Nicholas Dec. 6th

The feast of St. Nicholas is on Dec. 6th. It is a highlight of the Advent season. Each child puts out a shoe the night before St. Nicholas Day in the hope that the kind bishop  with his miter, staff, and bag of gifts will pay a visit. The current "Santa Claus" is modeled after St. Nicholas, but commercialism has tarnished the true story. Many families give gifts on both Dec. 6 and Christmas. Read about St. Nicholas in your favorite saints book.

St. Nicholas Center

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception December 8th

On this great feast, families place a candle with a blue ribbon before a statue or picture of the Blessed Virgin, whose "yes" to God enabled our Lord's coming at Christmas. The candle is lit during meal times to serve as a delightful reminder of Mary's eager expectation of the "Light of the World." It can also serve as a reminder to each family member to keep their own light of grace burning as a preparation for Christ's coming.

St. Juan Diego, Dec. 9th

Juan walked fifteen miles to attend Mass every day. Participate in Mass one day this week that is not a Sunday Mass. If this is impossible, take a long walk outside and notice the miracles of God's love during that walk. You may not see roses in the snow or hear music, but there is plenty to praise God for!

Prayer: Blessed Juan, you faced the skepticism and rejection of a bishop and the crowds to bring Mary's message to Mexico. Pray for us that when we are faced with obstacles to our faith we may show that same courage and commitment. Amen

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dec. 12th

Our Lady of Guadalupe,

Mystical Rose,

make intercession for holy Church,

protect the sovereign Pontiff,

help all those who invoke you in their necessities,

and since you are the ever Virgin Mary

and Mother of the true God,

obtain for us from your most holy Son

the grace of keeping our faith,

of sweet hope in the midst of the bitterness of life

of burning charity, and the precious gift

of final perseverance.

Amen.

St. Lucy, Dec. 13th

The feast of St. Lucy, virgin and martyr, marks the opening of the Christmas season in Sweden. Her life story can be found in most saints books, as can the recipe for the traditional cakes. The symbolism is rich and her life story worthwhile reading.

Sweden's Custom

The eldest   daughter of the household, wearing a white dress with a sash   of crimson and a crown of branches set with lighted candles,   wakes all the members of the household and serves them special   cake and coffee. While it may not be practical to light a crown   of candles, the family can enjoy this custom of a special treat   prepared by the eldest daughter of the family (with help from   mother, if necessary). As a substitute for the flaming crown,   the coffee cake can be prepared in the shape of a crown and set   with candles.

Prayer to Saint Lucy

Hear   us, O God, our salvation, that, as we rejoice in keeping the   festival of Blessed Lucy, thy virgin and martyr, so we may profit   by the tender devotion we gain through her example. Through our   Lord. Amen.