The Christmas season
Christmas is a season of joy and hope, filled with traditions that draw us closer to Christ. Below you will find resources for celebrating Christmas, beginning on Christmas Eve and extending throughout the entire season until the Baptism of the Lord.
• Blessing of the Christmas tree
Begin your family celebration by blessing the tree that will stand as a symbol of light in your home. Blessing Prayer from the USCCB
• Christmas prayer service
Reflect on the gift of peace that Christ brings with a prayer service prepared by Sadlier Religion: A Celebration of Peace.
• Thank those who serve
Parishes come alive during Christmas thanks to the dedication of musicians, altar servers, priests, decorating teams, and many others. Consider writing a simple note of gratitude. Download a thank-you card activity
• Christmas activities for families
Explore crafts, lessons and reflections to bring the Christmas story into your home. See resources from Loyola Press
• Comfort Food from Faith Magazine
Celebrate the holidays with some of Sister Mary Drexler’s favorite comfort food recipes. A Sister of St. Joseph, Sister Mary is known for her warmth and hospitality, which shines through in the dishes she shares. Enjoy her recipes featured in the December 2020 edition of Faith magazine. Find the story — including recipes — here.
• Attend Christmas Mass
Celebrate the birth of Christ by attending Mass on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. This holy day of obligation is at the heart of the season. Check back for Mass times soon.
• The Feast of the Seven Fishes
This Italian Christmas Eve tradition uses a seafood meal to prepare for the joy of Christ’s coming at midnight. Families can adapt it as a way of sharing a festive meal that points to the sacredness of the night.
Christmas does not end on December 25—it unfolds over days and weeks, each with its own meaning and traditions.
• December 26 – Feast of St. Stephen (Boxing Day)
Inspired by St. Wenceslas, use this day to share with others. Bake for neighbors, prepare donations for those in need or volunteer at a local food pantry.
• December 27 – Feast of St. John the Evangelist
Tradition invites us to bring wine to be blessed, recalling St. John’s miraculous survival after drinking poisoned wine. Share a toast of thanksgiving with family and friends.
• December 28 – Feast of the Holy Innocents
Bless your children with holy water, remembering the little ones of Bethlehem and praying for the protection of children everywhere.
• Sunday after Christmas – Feast of the Holy Family
Spend intentional time together as a family—share a meal, take a walk or reflect on the ways your family lives out faith in daily life.
• January 1 – Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Mark the new year with prayer to Our Lady. Consider offering a rosary, bringing flowers to her statue or dedicating the year to her intercession.
• January 3 – Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus
Reflect on the power of Jesus’ name in prayer. Create a family prayer card with intentions and keep it near your nativity scene.
• January 6 – Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord
Celebrate the visit of the Magi by blessing your home with chalk. Write the initials C+M+B above your door as a sign of Christ’s blessing. Exchange small gifts or host a meal with friends.
• Sunday after Epiphany – Baptism of the Lord
Close the Christmas season by recalling Jesus’ baptism and renewing your own baptismal promises.
• Pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, reflecting on Christ’s birth and early life through Mary’s eyes. Watch a video of the prayer here.
• Offer prayers of thanksgiving for the blessings of the past year and for Christ’s light to guide the year ahead.
Embracing the Christmas season reminds us that Christ’s presence is the greatest gift. May the joy of His birth shine through our homes, parishes, and communities. Merry Christmas!
Christmas is a season of joy and hope, filled with traditions that draw us closer to Christ. Below you will find resources for celebrating Christmas, beginning on Christmas Eve and extending throughout the entire season until the Baptism of the Lord.
| Preparing for Christmas |
• Blessing of the Christmas tree
Begin your family celebration by blessing the tree that will stand as a symbol of light in your home. Blessing Prayer from the USCCB
• Christmas prayer service
Reflect on the gift of peace that Christ brings with a prayer service prepared by Sadlier Religion: A Celebration of Peace.
• Thank those who serve
Parishes come alive during Christmas thanks to the dedication of musicians, altar servers, priests, decorating teams, and many others. Consider writing a simple note of gratitude. Download a thank-you card activity
• Christmas activities for families
Explore crafts, lessons and reflections to bring the Christmas story into your home. See resources from Loyola Press
• Comfort Food from Faith Magazine
Celebrate the holidays with some of Sister Mary Drexler’s favorite comfort food recipes. A Sister of St. Joseph, Sister Mary is known for her warmth and hospitality, which shines through in the dishes she shares. Enjoy her recipes featured in the December 2020 edition of Faith magazine. Find the story — including recipes — here.
| Celebrating Christmas Eve & Christmas Day |
• Attend Christmas Mass
Celebrate the birth of Christ by attending Mass on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. This holy day of obligation is at the heart of the season. Check back for Mass times soon.
• The Feast of the Seven Fishes
This Italian Christmas Eve tradition uses a seafood meal to prepare for the joy of Christ’s coming at midnight. Families can adapt it as a way of sharing a festive meal that points to the sacredness of the night.
| Extending the celebration: The Christmas season |
Christmas does not end on December 25—it unfolds over days and weeks, each with its own meaning and traditions.
• December 26 – Feast of St. Stephen (Boxing Day)
Inspired by St. Wenceslas, use this day to share with others. Bake for neighbors, prepare donations for those in need or volunteer at a local food pantry.
• December 27 – Feast of St. John the Evangelist
Tradition invites us to bring wine to be blessed, recalling St. John’s miraculous survival after drinking poisoned wine. Share a toast of thanksgiving with family and friends.
• December 28 – Feast of the Holy Innocents
Bless your children with holy water, remembering the little ones of Bethlehem and praying for the protection of children everywhere.
• Sunday after Christmas – Feast of the Holy Family
Spend intentional time together as a family—share a meal, take a walk or reflect on the ways your family lives out faith in daily life.
• January 1 – Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Mark the new year with prayer to Our Lady. Consider offering a rosary, bringing flowers to her statue or dedicating the year to her intercession.
• January 3 – Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus
Reflect on the power of Jesus’ name in prayer. Create a family prayer card with intentions and keep it near your nativity scene.
• January 6 – Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord
Celebrate the visit of the Magi by blessing your home with chalk. Write the initials C+M+B above your door as a sign of Christ’s blessing. Exchange small gifts or host a meal with friends.
• Sunday after Epiphany – Baptism of the Lord
Close the Christmas season by recalling Jesus’ baptism and renewing your own baptismal promises.
| Prayer throughout the season |
• Pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, reflecting on Christ’s birth and early life through Mary’s eyes. Watch a video of the prayer here.
• Offer prayers of thanksgiving for the blessings of the past year and for Christ’s light to guide the year ahead.
Embracing the Christmas season reminds us that Christ’s presence is the greatest gift. May the joy of His birth shine through our homes, parishes, and communities. Merry Christmas!