Christmas Gift Guide For Catholics

Christmas is approaching soon, and what better way to keep Christ in Christmas than to give your loved one’s a gift that inspires hope in them. I have compiled a list of my top five favorite religious articles this year. I am sure you will love them too! 

Queen of Heaven: Mary’s Battle for Souls ($39.95)

https://www.tanbooks.com/index.php/queen-of-heaven-mary-s-battle-for-souls.html

DVD Box Set – As seen on EWTN

This four hour 4-disc set with beautiful Catholic imagery would make a wonderful gift for a friend who yearns to know Mary more deeply, or even a friend who does not know Mary’s significance in salvation. No details are left out while explaining Mary’s importance in the Church, and her battle for souls at Guadalupe, Lourdes, and Fatima. Her battle continues to this day. The discs are divided into lessons. Each lesson is around 30 minutes, which would make it perfect for a Parish R.C.I.A class or any class where parishioners wish to know how to help Mary, through the rosary, battle for souls. This disc-set was carefully put together by credible sources. Queen of Heaven is Hosted by Catholic actor Leonardo Defilippis and was filmed in multiple locations including the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the World Apostolate of Fatima Shrine, and the Saint John Paul II National Shrine. Contributions to the film come from 15 theological experts including Tim Staples, Fr. Dominic Legge, Dr. Carrie Gress, Dr. Paul Thigpen, Fr. Chris Alar, Fr. Jeffrey Kirby and more.

Drinking With The MONKS 2018 12”X12” Calendar ($14.95)

https://www.tanbooks.com/index.php/2018-the-life-of-our-lord-wall-calendar.html

This Calendar is timeless and would make an excellent gift for your favorite Catholic Connoisseur. The photos are very amusing but reminds us that even our religious brothers need a chance to unwind. Drinking with the Monks contains feast days, fast days, saints’ days, and designations for Sundays of the liturgical year in the calendars of both the Ordinary and Extraordinary Rites. Each photo for each month contains a quote or scripture, such as June, that states “Wine that maketh glad the heart of man.” Psalms 104:15

Tan Books has many other Calendars for the 2018 year, one includes images of Mary and the Saints, another one has 12 months of Angels, and don’t forget to check out the Life of our Lord calendar that displays the beauty of Christ.

Saints for Boys & Girls (Set of 2 for $26.99)

https://www.tanbooks.com/index.php/saints-for-boys-girls-set-of-2.html

Give a child the gift of Saints this year with these two beautiful books filled with Saints that appeal to boys and girls. These books were made for children in preschool up to second grade. Every page has a beautiful illustration along with Saints such as Saint Vincent de Paul, Saint Joseph, and Saint Francis. These wonderful books also have special prayers, The Hail Mary, The Act of Contrition, and a guide on how to go to Confession that will stay in your child’s memories for years to come.  Teachers, these books would also be a wonderful source in your CCD classes. They are small and easy to read and understand for the children. My son loves his “Saints for Boys” book. These books can be ordered separately but right now TAN is offering a great deal for the set.

St. Clare of Assissi: Light from the Cloister ($24.95)

https://www.tanbooks.com/index.php/st-clare-of-assisi-light-from-the-cloister.html

This book displays a beautiful account of St. Clare’s life. As you read through it, you cannot wait to get to the next page to discover more about this Saint who was drawn to a life of poverty. She was inspired by St. Francis of Assisi and gave up her line in marriage, her beautiful gown, and her long hair in order to fully embrace poverty. She sold her entire inheritance and gave the money to the poor. She wanted to be the first Franciscan woman.  The author does a great job depicting her life, down to her dying last word: imitation. The author even provides a timeline at the end of the book for better clarity. I would say this is one of the best thought out books on one saint I have every read. Do you have a friend or family member who likes to learn more about the Saints? St. Clare of Assisi would be the perfect Christmas gift for any Catholic to read to prepare for next year’s lent.

Fatima - The Apparition that Changed the World ($24.95)

https://www.tanbooks.com/index.php/fatima-the-apparition-that-changed-the-world.html             

This book is not only for Catholic’s familiar with the apparitions at Fatima but it is also for those that are new to the Catholic faith or have never heard the story of Fatima. The book has pages between the chapter’s that explain very important details that you may not understand. There are pauses in the book to help explain the Sanctuary of Fatima, The Immaculate Heart of Mary, The Five First Saturdays, and how Our Lady of Fatima protected the Pope. The author took great care in making sure we understood every aspect as we read one of the most important stories of our time. Besides providing us with an extortionary and accurate detail of the apparition that changed the world, the author also provides many pictures throughout the book. As someone who loves religious prints, I found myself stopping and meditating on the pictures in awe of their powerfulness. These photos are the most beautiful imagery of Fatima, the Children, and our Pope.