Witness of the Epiphany
Did you know that Catholics officially celebrate Christmas through the beginning of January? The feast day which marks the end of this season is the Epiphany, which takes place on...
The Catholic All Year Compendium Review
The phrase “liturgically correct” is one of my favorites in the English language. I like how it looks, how it sounds, and what it means; that is, roughly, “in line...
Bubble Gum and the Baby Jesus: Welcoming Visitors to Our Parish During Christmas
Growing up, my family had a lot of Christmas traditions. New pajamas on Christmas Eve, Bing Crosby’s album playing as we came down the stairs, and a special breakfast following...
Loneliness During the Holidays
Christmas truly is my favorite time of year. With bated breath I stretch out those days of Advent and Christmas as long as I possibly can. I slowly add Christmas...
One Family's Santa-Free Christmas
It’s that most wonderful time of year when children are bribed with candy canes to allow adults to finish their egg nog and we’re constantly scrambling to get that best...
Can Catholics Believe in Santa Claus?
Every year, we are bound to witness heated discussions about the relevance of Santa Claus within our Catholic circles. Good Catholics exist on both sides of the debate: Is it...
Christmas Cards: Who, What, When, and Why?
Ah, Christmas! The season when we actually look forward to mail. Well, that is until the credit card bills start pouring in. Envelopes that don’t resemble statements arrive alongside catalogs...
When the Holidays Make Your Grief Bigger
Everyone has a story. When I meet people for the first time and express genuine interest in their lives, many respond dismissively. “Oh, my life isn’t that exciting. It’s pretty...
Songs of the Season: Advent Music vs. Christmas Music
Welcome to Advent, sisters! Isn’t it wonderful that the time has come to prepare for Christ’s birth yet again? What an absolute joy and gift! Yesterday at Mass, you saw...
7 Ways to Gift Differently with Meaningful and Minimalist Gift Giving
Have you had this conversation in your head, too? It goes something like this: “This is all just too much. You’ve spoiled me. I forgot so-and-so! There are simply too...
Advent and Christmas Books for Children
Sitting down with my children and opening one of our treasured Advent and Christmas picture books has become a dear part of our seasonal family traditions. There is something magical...
Tips for Coming Home from College
Finals are over! You can smell the home cooking over the dirty laundry in your luggage awaiting a quarter-less washing machine at home. Your bed—not the dorm bed you have...
