Advent Companion Guide

The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word adventus, formed from ad- ("to/toward") and venire ("to come"). During Advent, we patiently await the birth of Christ. It is a season of preparation, prayer, fasting, and thanksgiving, marking the start of a new liturgical year. Over the course of four Sundays, we journey alongside Mary and Joseph toward the nativity. Whether it's well after Advent has started or way before the season begins, it's never too early or too late to prepare your heart for the coming of Christ. 

As soon as the turkey and mashed potatoes are gone, Christmas trees and twinkling lights are everywhere. While society jumps straight into Christmas mode, Advent reminds us to slow down and focus on the true meaning of this season. 

Advent wreaths are a wonderful way to remind us of the true meaning of Advent. As we get closer to Christmas, we light one candle each week to mark our journey out of darkness into Christ's light. Each week represents something different, even down to the colors. The evergreen circle wreath represents everlasting life found in Christ. The violet candles represent penance or preparation and the rose candle represents great joy.

•  Week 1: candle represents hope
•  Week 2: candle represents peace
•  Week 3: candle represents joy
•  Week 4: candle represents love

Await the birth of the Messiah alongside of the expectant Madonna by slowly preparing your homes for the coming of Christ. It’s tempting to bring out your Christmas decorations all at once. While we wait for Christ’s birth, consider slowly putting up your decorations. If you put out your nativity set, wait to set out Jesus until Christmas Day. 

While we wait in hope for the coming of Christ, we can find joy in the in between. Cultivate quiet holy anticipation in your home. By weaving faith into the ordinary rhythm of our days, we teach our children that holiness is alive, tangible, and meant to be celebrated. Marking the days with small, intentional acts of devotion helps us anchor our hearts on the light that no darkness can overcome.

There are a lot of special feast days we can honor this season:

• St. Nicholas (December 6th): Have your kids leave their shoes by the door on St. Nicholas Eve for a small treat or coin, reminding them of the generous, sacrificial heart of the saint who pointed others to Christ. 

• Immaculate Conception (December 8th): Pray a family decade of the Rosary and bake a special white-frosted cake or treat to honor Our Lady and her unique role in salvation history. 

• Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12th): Honor Our Lady of Guadalupe by placing roses near your family Mary statue, enjoying Mexican hot chocolate, and reflecting on how Mary brings light to every corner of the world. 

• December 13th: Bake traditional sweet cinnamon or saffron rolls and let your children craft paper crowns or wreaths of light, celebrating St. Lucy as a beacon of light in the dark of winter. 

As we walk through these sacred feasts, we remind ourselves that our faith is lived in the everyday rhythm of our homes. May these feast days bring warmth, wonder, and meaningful holy moments to your family this December.

Advent is a beautiful time to slow down and build intentional traditions that bring your family closer to Christ. Simple, tangible traditions help transform the waiting period into an active season of joyful preparation, giving children hands-on ways to connect with the true meaning of Christmas.

Here are a few meaningful practices to incorporate into your home this December:

• Jesse Tree: Gather the family around, say the readings, and put themed ornaments on the Jesse Tree. Reflect on the family tree of Jesus on the days leading up to His birth. 
• Straw for the Manger: Place an empty manger near your nativity scene. Purchase one or make your own with popsicle sticks, cardboard boxes, or small wooden boxes and some straw pieces. Every time a family member performs a quiet act of kindness, sacrifice, or prayer, they add a piece of soft straw to the crib, preparing a warm, loving place for the Infant Jesus on Christmas morning. 
• Weekly Advent Candlelight Dinners: Every Sunday evening, dim the overhead lights and dine solely by the light of your Advent wreath. Use this quiet, warm atmosphere to check in with one another, read the Sunday Gospel, and pray for the week ahead. Teach your kids about what each candle represents.

Often, grown children fondly remember these traditions from childhood and are eager to share them with their own children. They might just need a gentle reminder or a helping hand to get started. Gifting an Advent wreath, reminiscing on fond memories, or inviting your kids and grandkids over for an Advent evening can open the door to reviving these meaningful practices.

Whether you choose one or all of these practices, the goal isn't perfection. Rather, it's presence. By creating these sacred moments at home, you offer your family a grounded, peaceful anchor in the middle of a busy season that will create special memories for generations to come.

In the midst of a busy holiday season, cultivating stillness requires intentional daily choices. By weaving quiet moments of prayer and penance into your morning and evening routines, you can walk hand-in-hand with Mary, our mother, who knows best how to hold silent anticipation in her heart and prepare a place for the Lord.

• Morning Prayer Before Screens: Before you turn on any screens, go into a quiet place and take some time to reflect on an Advent devotional or the daily readings. Joining Mary in her morning fiat, you give the very first moments of your day to God, anchoring your heart in peace and shielding your mind from early distractions.
• St. Andrew Novena: Start the St. Andrew Novena on November 30th and make a list of special intentions. Reciting this short prayer fifteen times a day through Christmas Eve allows you to join Mary in her continuous prayer, quietly keeping vigil with her as the days draw near to Christ's birth.
• A Mini Lenten Season: Consider making little sacrifices each day. Treat Advent like a mini Lent by offering up small discomforts, fasting from unnecessary luxuries, or practicing extra patience. Like Mary’s fiat, these quiet, unseen acts of love soften our hearts to welcome her Son.
  

Turn to Our Lady for guidance on how to best live out this Advent season. Pope St. John Paul II reminds us, “Mary sustains our journey toward Christmas, for she teaches us how to live this Advent Season in expectation of the Lord.” 

As the days grow shorter and Christmas approaches, resist going through the motions during these precious weeks of waiting. Immersing yourself and your family in the rhythm of Advent, through joyful feast days, shared family traditions, and daily habits of prayer, is how we truly open our hearts to receive the newborn King.

Preparation isn't about preparing for a picture-perfect holiday season, but about making space in your soul and your home for the peace and light of Christ to dwell. Wherever you are on this journey, Catholic Home and Church is here to walk alongside you, providing the resources, inspiration, and encouragement you need to foster a vibrant faith in your everyday life. May your Advent be a season of quiet grace, holy wonder, and deep joy.

As you gather your family around the table and plan your sacred traditions this season, Catholic Home and Church makes it simple to prepare your domestic church for the coming of Christ. From beautiful Advent wreaths and Jesse Trees to daily devotional books, our Advent and Christmas collections are curated to help you equip your holiday season with the tangible tools and sacred goods needed to create a peaceful, prayerful season.