Christmas Traditions:
These are questions from a handout we were given years ago. I can’t give the author credit, because all I have is a photocopy. We’ve used these questions though to chat during dinners and to add to the daily reading/discussion. The handout suggests printing and cutting them out or choosing them at random for one person or everyone to answer. These are not just for the kids--mom, dad, grandparents, and guests should join in!
Mime or act out your favorite Christmas Carol and have others guess what it is.
Tell about your favorite tree ornament.,
What does Christmas mean to you?
What do you look forward to eating on Christmas?
Sing a verse of your favorite Christmas carol.
What joy does Jesus bring to you during this season?
What joy do you bring to the world?
What Christmas scene or store window do you like to visit every year?
What is your favorite Christmas song?
What is a Christmas custom your family inherited from your grandparents?
What is the first gift you remember giving your mother? Your father?
Who did you make a gift for last year?
Who are you most like--a shepherd, an angel, or one of the magi? Explain your answer.
Tell about the best Christmas gift you ever received.
Who do you miss this Christmas?
What is the Christmas you miss most?
Who makes the best Christmas cookies?
Who is your favorite character in the nativity?
Tell about a time you peeked at a present.
What is your favorite Christmas children’s book or movie?
First Sunday of Advent: Sunday, November 27, 2022
Genesis 49:18: I wait for your salvation, O Lord.
Today Avent begins. It is a time of preparation and waiting, just as God’s people waited for Jesus, the Messiah. Our Advent wreath probably has three purple candles, one pink candle, and a white candle in the middle. The three purple candles symbolize royalty and remind us that Jesus is the King of Kings. Today we light the first purple candle. This candle is often called the candle of hope. We have hope because God is faithful and will keep his promise to us (Light one purple candle). If you would like to, read one of your family’s favorite Christmas stories.
Prayer: Dear God, bless this wreath. Help our family to remember that Advent is a time of hope. Help us prepare for your coming. Thank you for your faithfulness to our family. Amen.
Planning ahead–there is a reading about St Nicholas Day on Dec 5–if your family is going to participate in St. Nicholas Day, having small treats or candy will be helpful.
First Monday of Advent: November 28, 2022
Isaiah 40:1-5: Comfort, comfort my people says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins.
Advent is a time to prepare for Christmas. What are some ways our family prepares for Christmas? What are some ways we can help others in our community prepare? Advent is also a time to remember that Jesus paid for our sins and that we are forgiven. What a wonderful way for God to show his love to us!
Prayer: Thank you, God, for giving us Advent as a time to remember your love and prepare for Christmas.
First Tuesday of Advent: November 29, 2022
Micah 5:2: But you, Bethlehem...out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel.
Bethlehem was a small town. Even though it was the hometown of King David, people didn’t expect greatness to come out of Bethlehem. God chose Bethlehem to remind us that Jesus was a person, just like us, but without sin. His choice to come into the world as a baby reminds us that we don’t have to be big or powerful to make big changes in the world.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for giving us the greatest gift in the form of Jesus as a baby.
First Wednesday of Advent: November 30, 2022
Isaiah 52: 7-10: How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices, together they shout for joy!
During the Christmas season, we sing special songs about the birth of Jesus. Christmas songs glorify God and remind us of Jesus’ birth. What is your favorite Christmas song? What does it tell us about Jesus’ birth?
Prayer: Choose your favorite song about Jesus’ birth and sing it together.
First Thursday of Advent: December 1, 2022
John 8:12: Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.”
We use many symbols during Advent to remember special things about God and Jesus. We remember that Jesus is the light of the world by decorating with candles and lights. The lights also remind us to be a light for God, to share his good news with others.
Prayer: Thank you God for sending Jesus to be our light. Help us to be a light for other people.
First Friday of Advent: December 2, 2022
Psalm 132:11 The Lord swore an oath to David, a sure oath that he will not revoke: “One of your own descendants I will place on your throne.”
Jesus was born a king! The Bible says that Jesus was born into the house of King David, showing that Christ came from a long line of kings. The first chapter of Matthew lists Jesus’ genealogy, proving he was born a king. This was important because it fulfilled God’s promise that a descendant of King David would return to the throne. As promised, his king, Jesus, would use his power to help people.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for keeping your promises. Help us to use our gifts and powers to help others.
First Saturday of Advent: December 3, 2022
Isaiah 40:3: A voice of one calling in the desert, “Prepare the way for the Lord! Make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God!”
The Bible tells the story of two special families, the family of John the Baptist and the family of Jesus. John was the cousin of Jesus and was born a few months before him. God chose John to announce that Jesus would soon come to save the world. Before John was born, his parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, were very old and didn't have children. Zechariah was a Jewish priest. One day while he was in the temple, an angel came and told him he would have a son named John. Because Zechariah didn’t believe the angel, he could not speak until the baby was born. When John was born, Zechariah believed and was able to speak again. His first words were praises to God! Prayer: Thank you, God, for John the Baptist and his family. Help us to be more like him, ready to tell others about Jesus and his Good News.
Second Sunday of Advent December 4, 2022
1 John 4:16: We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.
The second Sunday of Advent is a continued time of preparation. This second purple candle is sometimes called the candle of preparation (Light two purple candles). Option: Read on of your family’s favorite versions or translations of Jesus’ birth.
Prayer: Dear God, as we decorate our home for Christmas, we think about the birth of Jesus. Help us to show love and kindness toward others as we prepare for Christmas.
Second Monday of AdventDecember 5, 2022
Saint Nick’s Eve:
Matthew 2:1-2: After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the East came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews?” We saw his start in the East and have come to worship him.”
Tomorrow is Saint Nicholas Day. Saint Nicholas is the patron of seafarers, scholars, bankers, pawnbrokers, jurists, brewers, coopers, travelers, perfumers, unmarried girls, brides, schoolboys, and robbers. He is most famous for being the special patron of children. St. Nicholas was probably a native of Patrara in Lycia (Asia Minor). There are many legends about his good deeds. His best-known virtue was love and charity for the poor. In Holland, children leave their wooden shoes outside their door on December 5, in hope of receiving small gifts like candy, cookies, apples, or nuts from St. Nicholas. When St. Nicholas leaves these gifts, we are reminded of his kindness and of God’s love for us.
Option: Veggie Tales St. Nicholas film and/or book about St. Nicholas
Prayer: Thank you God for your gifts to us. Thank you for giving us opportunities to give gifts and be kind to others.
Second Tuesday of AdventDecember 6, 2022
Proverbs 8:30-31: I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind.
During this season we remember that God sent His Son because He loves everyone in the world. During this time of the year, we try especially to think of others, family, friends, and strangers, all over the world. It is a time to rejoice, to share our gifts, and be thankful for God’s gifts to us.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for loving us. Thank you for the gifts you give our family. Help us to share with others.
Second Wednesday of Advent December 7, 2022
Luke 2:7 She placed him in a manger…
After their long journey and search for a place to stay, Mary and Joseph were happy to find a spot in a barn. There were no beds, though, probably only straw! Cows, donkeys, and sheep might have shared their space that night. Certainly, an usual place for a baby to be born! When Jesus was born, Mary wrapped him in strips of cloth to keep him warm and dry and put him in a manager, a place for animals to eat out of, to keep him safe.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for our home, for our beds, and for safe places to sleep. Help us remember and find ways to help others who do not have these advantages.
Second Thursday of Advent:
December 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Isaiah 9:6: For to us a child is born.
The feast of the Immaculate Conception honors the life of Mary, Jesus’ mother. She was chosen to be the Mother of God before she was born-what an amazing thought! This reminds us that God has a plan for each of us as well--he had that plan even before we were born! We may not always know or understand God’s plan, but we know that He is always there to support and guide us.
Prayer: Dear God, help us listen to you and follow your plan for us. Thank you for your guidance.
Second Friday of Advent: December 9, 2022
Luke 2:8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night.
Sheep need a lot of care. The Bible says that the shepherds were watching over their sheep the night Jesus was born. Why would shepherds need to stay in the fields at night with their sheep? Jesus sometimes called himself a shepherd. Just like shepherds take care of sheep, Jesus takes care of us. This time of year we see lots of candy canes. The candy cane can help us remember God’s love for us. When we hold it upside down, a cane looks like a “J”--like Jesus’ name starts with! A cane is also shaped like a shepherd’s staff. As we read earlier, shepherds used their canes to protect their sheep and Jesus protects us. The red of the candy cane reminds us of Jesus’ sacrifice for us and the white is a symbol of his holiness.
Prayer: God, thank you for being our shepherd. When we are afraid, remind us that you protect us.
Second Saturday of Advent: December 10, 2022
1 Corinthians 10:31: So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
What does it mean to do something for the glory of God? In many families, making and decorating Christmas cookies is a tradition. A long time ago, many families hung these treats on their trees as decorations! Now people make them for parties and to share with others. When we make and eat these treats, we can think about the people who we share them with. How can we glorify God when we make and share our Christmas treats?
Prayer: God, help us do everything for your glory. Help us to see you in even small things.
Third Sunday of AdventDecember 11, 2022
Jude 1:21 Keep yourselves in the love of God; Look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.
This third Sunday of Advent, we will light the pink candle. The candle this week is sometimes known as the candle of Joy. Light three candles, including the pink candle. Read one of your family’s favorite versions or translations of the story of Jesus’ birth.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for the joy that this season can bring us! As we choose gifts for friends and family and participate in activities, remind us to slow down and remember Jesus, your greatest gift to us.
Third Monday of Advent
December 12: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe:
Luke 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to men on whom his favor rests.
Today we remember the story of Juan Diego, a Christian who lived in Mexico. According to legend, in 1531, Mary appeared to him on a hillside. Roses bloomed in the frozen ground. Many people came to see the miracle and many people became Christians when they saw that God’s love could make flowers bloom in the winter!
Prayer: Thank you God for ways to spread the good news about you. Help us notice the reminders you give us that you are always with us.
Third Tuesday of Advent
December 13: The Light of Saint Lucy
Matthew 25:40 The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Today we remember Saint Lucy. She lived in Sicily in the Third Century. At that time, Christians were persecuted. Lucy helped hide fellow Christians in the catacombs and underground caves. Every night she would take food to the people hidden there. To keep her hands free, she would balance an oil lamp on her head. In Sweden, families remember Saint Lucy by having the oldest girl in the house wear candles on her head, in imitation of Saint Lucy’s act of bravery.
Prayer: God, thank you for all the brave Christians who lived before us. Help us be kind, generous, and merciful to others as they were.
Third Wednesday of Advent December 14, 2022
Acts 20:35 Lord Jesus himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
During this season we can become very focused on gifts. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive--that is , we often “get” more by giving someone else something than we get when we receive a gift. How can we focus on giving, rather than on receiving? Who in our community can we share our blessings with?
Prayer: Thank you God for opportunities to give and to share our blessings. Help us remember to focus on you, rather on receiving gifts.
Third Thursday of Advent December 15, 2022
Matthew 2:2 We saw his star in the East and have come to worship him.
There has been lots of confusion about the men who came to visit Jesus. Were there three? Were they kings or scholars? We know they watch the night skies and when a new star appeared, they knew it meant Jesus had been born or was going to be born soon. They followed the star to Jesus. They brought him gifts and worshipped him. They went home by a different path, to protect Jesus from King Herod. Even though we don’t know the answers to all our questions, we know these men loved Jesus.
Prayer: Thank you God for the example of the Wise Men. Help us choose gifts for Jesus and for others that are meaningful and show love.
Third Friday of Advent December 16, 2022
Matthew 2:11 Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.
Many people think the gifts the Wise Men brought Jesus are strange gifts for a baby. What do you think Mary and Joseph did with the gifts? Mary and Joseph were not wealthy and the gifts were valuable. They may have used the gold when they had to leave to protect Jesus from King Herod. Some people believe that Mary kept the incense and myrrh and they were used when Jesus died. The value of the gifts reminds us that Jesus is a King and is worthy of Kingly gifts, even when he came as a tiny baby.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for sending Jesus to be like us. Help us be thankful for that gift and the others we receive this season.
Third Saturday of Advent December 17, 2022
Song of Songs 2:12 Flowers appear on the earth, the season of singing has come.
This time of year we are often surrounded by Christmas decorations. Many of the decorations have a meaning beyond being pretty. For example, a legend tells us that long ago a poor family did not have money to decorate their tree. On Christmas Eve, spiders celebrated Jesus’ birth by spinning beautiful webs on the trees. Today, we use tinsel to remember that legend. Another legend tells us that a young boy and girl wanted to take a gift to Jesus at Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. Since it was winter, there weren’t any flowers blooming, so they gathered some weeds. They placed their gift at the nativity scene and began to pray. As they prayed, the green leaves changed to bright red flower petals and became the flower we call the poinsettia!
Prayer: Thank you God for stories that remind us of your love for us. Help us remind others of your love in our actions.
Fourth Sunday of Advent December 18, 2022
1 John 4:7: Beloved, let us love one another because love comes from God.
This candle is sometimes called the candle of love. It symbolizes that God loves us so much, he sent his Son to save us (Light all four candles). Read one of your family’s favorite versions or translations of Jesus’ birth.
Prayer: Now Jesus’ birthday is very near. May his birthday bring joy and happiness to all of us as we try to be more like Jesus. Help us show love to others and enjoy this season.
Fourth Monday of Advent December 19, 2022
Luke 2:19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.
For many people, this season is a time for memories and reflection. We remember Christmas seasons from the past and think of people who aren’t able to be with us. Mary, Jesus’ mother, knew that her son was the Son of God. She treasured and thought about the things that happened as they were happening. During this busy time, we should try to treasure these moments, even when we are remembering other.
Prayer: God, thank you for good memories and for new memories. Please be with people who are lonely this season and help us find ways to show them your love.
Fourth Tuesday of Advent December 20, 2022
1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
We seem to eat and drink A LOT during this season. What are some of your favorite foods and drinks? How can we show glory to God through this celebrating?
Prayer: God, help us to use our celebrating to spread your love to other people. Help us remember you as we enjoy this season.
Fourth Wednesday of AdventDecember 21, 2022
Isaiah 9:2-7 and Matthew 25:40 The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.
Sometimes we are very focused on gifts during this season. We can be happy or sad when we think about how much a gift costs. Jesus reminds us though, that doing things for others is sometimes a greater gift than something we buy. What are some gifts we can give that don’t have to be purchased?
Prayer: God thank you for your gift of Jesus. Help us give gifts that show your love to others.
Fourth Thursday of Advent December 22, 2022
1 John 4:16 We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love and all who live in love live in God and God lives in them.
This is a time when we think about how much we love our friends and family. God loves us even more than we love others--isn’t that amazing to think of and hard to understand?
Prayer: God, thank you for loving us. Help us love others, even when we are busy during this season!
Fourth Friday of Advent December 23, 2022
Psalm 35:9 Then I will rejoice in the Lord, I will delight in his deliverance.
What are some of the things that have brought us joy this season? How can we continue to spread joy to others the whole year?
Prayer: Thank you, God, for Your joy. Help us give others reasons to be joyful.
Fourth Saturday of Advent
December 24, 2022, Christmas Eve
Luke 2:11 A Savior has been born to you, He is Christ the Lord.
Light all four colored candles and the large white candle
Read another of your family’s favorite versions or translations of Jesus’ birth and any other favorite Christmas stories tonight. Christ is born for us tonight! Come, let us adore Him!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, our souls rejoice tonight, with the animals, and the angels, with the shepherds, and the stars, with Mary and Joseph, we sing Your praise. Through Your coming, may the hungry be filled with good things and may our table and home be blessed. Glory to God in the Highest and peace to all people on earth!
December 25: Christmas Day
Luke 1:68 Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel because he has come and has redeemed his people.
Christmas is finally here! As we enjoy this day, how can we remember to be thankful? What are you thankful for today?
Prayer: Thank you, God, for the gift of Jesus. Thank you for the gifts we receive today, for the food we share, and for the fellowship of the people with us. Thank you for phone calls, and visits, and memories of those who aren’t here today.
December 26: Saint Stephen’s Day: The First Day of Christmas
Matthew 5:44-45: But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.
Today we remember St. Stephen. Stephen was born as a prince in 907 AD near Prague. He was educated as a Christian. When he became king, he tried to rule with justice and mercy. Some people didn’t like him because he was a Christian. They attacked and killed him. Before he died, St. Stephen asked God to forgive those who hurt and killed him.
Prayer: God help us forgive people who hurt us.
December 27: The Second Day of Christmas
2 Peter 1:2: Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
This season, especially this week, is often very busy and not very peaceful. It is often a lot of fun, but can be stressful for people who are busy! What are some ways we can keep ourselves peaceful and help others find peace?
Prayer: Thank you, God, for your peace during the excitement and business of this season. Help us feel your peace and share it with others.
December 28: The Third Day of Christmas
Matthew 19:14: Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Today is the Feast of the Holy Innocents. It is a solemn day. We remember that King Herod ordered all the baby boys in Bethlehem to be killed because he was afraid Jesus would take his kingdom. Joseph was warned in a dream to flee and keep baby Jesus safe, but many babies died. Today we remember children who have died and honor and bless the children in our lives.
Prayer: Thank you, God for children. Bless and care for the children in our lives.
December 29: The Fourth Day of Christmas
Matthew 7:19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal.
By now, some of our Christmas presents may have become broken or may not seem as exciting as they did a few days ago. Jesus reminds us that our treasures should be in heaven not here on earth. What are some treasures we can store in heaven?
Prayer: Thank you God for all the treasures and blessings you give us here on earth. Thank you more for the treasures we will have in heaven with you.
December 30: The Fifth Day of Christmas
John 14:1 Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God and also in me.
Looking ahead to a new year sometimes makes people worry and wonder about the future. We know that no matter what happens, God will be with us.
Prayer: Thank you, God, for always being with us.
December 31: New Year’s Eve: The Sixth Day of Christmas
Luke 1:46 And Mary said, “My soul praises the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”
This week has been full of celebrations and excitement. The coming week may bring a return to work, school, and our “regular” lives. As we go back, we will try to remember the excitement of God’s love that we felt this week and will try to carry it and share it with others.
Prayer: Thank you for this wonderful week that began with Christmas. Bless our family and all families as we end this year and begin a new one. Keep us safe. Open our hearts to the possibilities of the new year. Fill our hearts and the new yeast with your presence and your love.
January 1: New Year’s Day: The Seventh Day of Christmas
Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
What were the best things about this past year? How did we let our lights shine? How did others shine a light for us? How has God been good to our family? What are we looking forward to this year?
Prayer: God, thank you for this past year. Thank you for all the blessings and for the lessons we learned. Help us continue to show your light and to look for light from others. Bless this coming year.
January 2: The Eighth Day of Christmas
1 Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love.
God tells us that love is greater than even faith and hope. How do we show love for the people around us? How can we show love for even more people, even those we don’t get along with?
Prayer: God thank you for your love. Help us love other people.
January 3: The Ninth Day of Christmas
Galatians 5:13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature, rather serve one another in love.
Sometimes it is hard to show love after the holidays--we are sometimes tired and worried about what the new year might bring. We get busy and forget to serve others. God reminds us in that we are free people and that we should use that freedom to serve others.
Prayer: Thank you God for people who serve and help us. Give us the energy we need to start this new year with your directions in mind.
January 4: The Tenth Day of Christmas
Ephesians 1:16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
We may have spent time with friends and family this season. It is easy to be thankful for the people we spend time with, but who else are we thankful for?
Prayer: Thank you God for all the people in our lives. Help us give thanks even when times are hard or we don’t see the people we love.
January 5: The Eleventh Day of Christmas
Mathew 28: 19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.
Jesus reminds us in this verse to spread the word of his love and that he is always with us. As the holiday season draws to a close, what are some ways we can spread his love? How do we know he is always with us?
Prayer: Thank you God for Jesus and Your love. Help us remember that you are always with us.
January 6: Epiphany: The Twelfth Day of Christmas
Mathew 2:11 On coming to the house they saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.
The Christmas season ends with the Feast of the Epiphany. On this day we celebrate Christ’s birth and the visit of the Wise Men. Some families bless their homes on Epiphany and then take down the holiday decorations. In Germany, children go from house to house, collecting offerings for children’s ministries and blessing the homes of givers. As we remember this season, what can we do to keep Jesus’ message of good news in our hearts all year long?
Prayer: We shout for joy, we praise you our God, with hearts filled with gladness! Emmanuel has come, our Savior, Christ the Lord. In this New Year, thank you for helping our family keep singing your praises through our words and actions.
Sources and References:
“Advent Devotional”. Sonlight Curriculum, LTD. 2019. Sonlight.com
An Advent of Ideas: Christmas Sharing, Product concept, Inc. Printed in Mexico. No ISBN or year.
Advent, Christmas and Epiphany in the Domestic Church: Activities to Celebrate Catholic Liturgical Seasons. Catherine and Peter Fournier. Ignatius Press: San Francisco 2001. ISBN 0-90870-859-1
Bible, various versions and translations, as available on my bookshelf, the other sources, and the internet.
“Celebrate Advent!” L’Tishia Suk. Focus on the Family Magazine. December 2000.
Pamphlet, no title. Copyright 1998, Archdiocese of Chicago. Liturgy Training Publications. 1800 North Hermitage Avenue, Chicago IL 60622-1101, 1-800-933-1800. www.ltp.org Design by Roslyn Broder.
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