Celebrating the Advent Season as a Catholic

Advent, the beautiful liturgical season of preparation, is a time for Catholics to refocus their hearts and minds on the coming of Christ. It is a season of joyful anticipation and reflection, calling us to live more intentionally amidst the busyness of the world. Here are ways to celebrate Advent meaningfully as a Catholic.

1. Embrace the Liturgical Calendar
Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and marks the start of the liturgical year. Make the Advent wreath a centerpiece in your home, lighting a candle each Sunday to symbolize hope, peace, joy, and love. Reflect on the Scripture readings that align with the season, such as the prophecies of Isaiah and the Gospel accounts of John the Baptist.

Tip: Attend Sunday Mass with a renewed focus on the readings and prayers, which emphasize waiting and preparation for Christ’s birth and His second coming.

2. Create a Prayerful Atmosphere
Dedicate time each day to prayer and quiet reflection. Advent is a season of waiting, and prayer helps us align our hearts with God’s will. Consider:

Morning devotionals: Begin each day with Scripture readings or an Advent devotional.
The Angelus or Rosary: Reflect on the mysteries of Christ’s incarnation.
Eucharistic Adoration: Spend time in adoration to deepen your relationship with Christ.
Family Idea: Gather around the Advent wreath nightly for a brief prayer and Scripture reading.

3. Practice Generous Acts of Love
Advent is a season to practice the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Seek ways to serve those in need:

Donate to a local food pantry or toy drive.
Visit the sick or elderly, bringing them cheer.
Pray for the lonely or grieving, offering encouragement.
Challenge: Commit to one specific act of generosity each week of Advent as a family or individual.

4. Foster Sacred Traditions
Incorporate traditions that bring the faith alive in your home.

Advent Calendars: Use a religious Advent calendar with Scripture verses or saint quotes behind each door.
The Jesse Tree: Decorate a small tree with ornaments representing Bible stories leading to Christ.
Nativity Sets: Gradually set up your Nativity scene, adding baby Jesus on Christmas Eve.
For Children: Read books about saints or the Nativity story to help them understand the meaning of Advent.

5. Simplify and Focus on the Spiritual
In a culture that emphasizes consumerism during December, Advent invites Catholics to simplicity. Avoid over-scheduling or stress and focus instead on preparing spiritually for Christmas.

Avoid excessive shopping or decorating early in the season.
Choose handmade or meaningful gifts that reflect Christ’s love.
Fast from unnecessary distractions, such as social media or excessive entertainment.

6. Rejoice in the Sacraments
One of the best ways to prepare for Christ is through the sacraments.

Reconciliation: Attend confession to cleanse your heart and renew your soul.
Eucharist: Make time for daily Mass if possible, drawing close to Christ in the Eucharist.
Tip: Many parishes offer Advent penance services—attend as a family to make it a communal event.

7. Celebrate the Saints of Advent
Advent is rich with feast days that draw us closer to Christ. Celebrate these holy men and women:

St. Andrew (Nov. 30): Begin the St. Andrew Novena, a prayer tradition leading to Christmas.
St. Nicholas (Dec. 6): Practice secret acts of generosity in his honor.
St. Lucy (Dec. 13): Celebrate with candles and prayers for the light of Christ.

8. Prepare for the Nativity of Christ
The closer we get to Christmas, the more our hearts should turn toward the manger. Use the O Antiphons from December 17–23, a set of ancient prayers reflecting on Christ’s titles, to prepare for His coming.

On Christmas Eve, gather as a family to read the Nativity story from the Gospel of Luke, praying in thanksgiving for the gift of Christ’s incarnation.

Celebrating Advent as a Catholic means entering into a season of joyful waiting and preparation. Through prayer, acts of love, and sacred traditions, we can draw closer to the mystery of Christ’s coming. Let this Advent be a time of spiritual renewal, family connection, and hope as we await the Savior who comes to dwell among us.

“Come, Lord Jesus!”

Download a Family Advent Calendar  and / or an Advent Wellness Calendar!!