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The four  weeks before Christmas are busy with planning, shopping, baking, decorating, parties and  yes, endless commercialism.  Has our society forgotten that Advent and Christmas are not about buying things, but rather about the coming of the Savior?   

We invite you to make Advent and Christmas in your home centered around the coming of Jesus our Savior.  The links on this page will give you guidance.  For example, we have an Advent Wreath in our church.  Why not have one in your own home?  Or a Jesse Tree?  Let your family learn about Christmas traditions and customs which have been honored for generations throughout the world.  Why not give your kids games and activities which help them learn the true meaning of Christmas.  Why not listen to some beautiful Advent and Christmas carols which tell of the coming of the Savior? 

Follow the links below for further ideas. 

LEARN ABOUT ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS AND CUSTOMS

How Christians Should Celebrate Advent and Christmas
Our society lets commercialism dictate how and when we should enjoy this season.  Learn the traditional Christian way of celebrating the wonderful and joyful feasts of Advent and Christmas. 

Advent FAQ’s
Learn what “advent’ means, and find out about the real St. Nicholas (Santa Claus), customs of the Advent Wreath, Jesse Tree, posadas, etc.

Celebrate Advent in the Family

STORIES AND CUSTOMS OF ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS

St. Boniface and the Christmas Tree, The Paradise Tree, A Viking Story, Legend of the Pine Tree, Origin of Christmas Cards, Advent Wreaths

St. Luke and the Christmas Story, “O” Antiphons of the Christmas Novena, St. Barbara and the Holy Helpers

The Christmas Rose, The Legend of Rosemary, Christmas Gifts, Twelve Days of Christmas

HAVE AN ADVENT WREATH IN YOUR OWN HOME  

History of the Advent Wreath
The Advent Wreath dates to pre-Christian times, but it took on new and wonderful significance as Christians adapted it to their Advent celebrations.

Advent Wreath  as a Family Devotion

How to Make an Advent Wreath

Advent Wreath Prayers –Brief Prayers to Say While Lighting the Advent Wreath Candles Each Evening

Advent Word Search

Advent Wreath for Child’s Room – Coloring Page

Jesse Tree – Story of the Jesse Tree, Making a Jesse Tree,  Story and Scripture Readings

Advent and Christmas Activities for Children
Advent crafts and activities for children - from the Catholic Mom website.

Advent Calendar - Customs around the World
Each day learn about Advent and Christmas customs in nations around the world.

The days and weeks of Advent are filled with sounds, sights and smells that fill us with anticipation for the celebration of Christmas – festive decorations, Christmas music, sleigh bells, the aroma of fresh pine branches in the living room.  One of the favorite sensations is the smell of cookies in the oven and the aroma of freshly baked Christmas breads wafting through the house.   Preparation of these festive foods enhances the Advent spirit of joy and expectation.   Enjoy the recipes below for cookies and baked goods, and let their preparation become part of your family tradition during  Advent.

Christmas-Cookies.com
Over 350 recipes for Christmas cookies, cakes, pies   

This Week in Parish