Keeping Christ at the Center of Christmas: Catholic Traditions to Cherish

Now-a-days we can start to see Christmas decorations even in September, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of shopping, decorating, and party planning. However, as Catholics, we are called to remember the true reason for the season - the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Fortunately, the Church has gifted us with a rich tapestry of traditions that can help us keep Christ at the center of our holiday celebrations.

St. Andrew Christmas Novena

Some Catholics have adopted the praying of the St. Andrew Christmas Novena, prayed from November 30th to Christmas Eve, is a beautiful way to invoke the intercession of the Apostle Andrew and ask for the grace to welcome Christ more fully into our lives. It is prayed 15 times a day and serves to engrain the "real reason for the season" in our hearts. If older kids are interested, creating a bracelet or beaded rope to help keep track of the 15 prayers could be a great family craft.

The Nativity Scene

One of the most beloved Catholic Christmas traditions is the Nativity scene. Whether it's a simple crèche or an elaborate display, setting up a Nativity scene in our homes serves as a tangible reminder of the humble beginnings of our Lord. As we gather around the Nativity, we can take time to reflect on the miracle of the Incarnation and the gift of God's only Son. A lovely tradition is to keep the baby Jesus out of the manger until Christmas arrives, as a further reminder that we are in waiting.

St. Nicholas

Another cherished tradition is the celebration of St. Nicholas' feast day on December 6th. This beloved saint, known for his generosity and care for children, can inspire us to follow his example of selfless giving. Families can leave out shoes or stockings for St. Nicholas to fill with small treats, or even organize a gift-giving project to help those in need. The focus on giving and a saint who demonstrated radical generosity is a great way to help focus families toward Christ.

The Jesse Tree

The Jesse Tree is a great Advent tradition that helps children (and adults!) understand the lineage of Jesus, the events leading up to His birth, and the prophecies that foretold His coming. Each day, a new ornament is added to the tree, representing a different story or figure from the Old Testament. This activity not only teaches biblical history but also helps us anticipate the arrival of the Messiah.

Advent Wreath

Perhaps one of the most well known devotions is the Advent wreath. It is a staple in many Catholic homes during the Christmas season. As we light the candles, one by one, we are reminded of the growing light of Christ's presence in the world. There are many wonderful devotionals that can accompany this tradition. Families gathering around the Advent wreath can be a powerful way to mark the passage of time and prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christmas.

O Antiphons

The O Antiphons, recited during the last seven days of Advent, are another way to focus our hearts and minds on the coming of Christ. These ancient names for Jesus, help us to meditate on the profound mystery of the Incarnation. There is an old tradition of creating an "Ero Cras house" Like a short advent calendar, it houses images of the O antiphons progressively until Christmas.

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By embracing these rich Catholic traditions, we can ensure that the true meaning of Christmas remains at the forefront of our holiday celebrations. As we gather with family and friends, may these customs help us to keep our focus on the birth of the Savior and the profound gift of His love.

“In Advent we await an event which occurs in history and at the same time transcends it. As it does every year, this event will take place on the night of the Lord’s Birth. The shepherds will hasten to the stable in Bethlehem; later the Magi will arrive from the East. Both the one and the other in a certain sense symbolize the entire human family. The exhortation that rings out in today’s liturgy: ‘Let us go joyfully to meet the Lord’ spreads to all countries, to all continents, among every people and nation."
- Pope St. John Paul II