Christmas Octave: Simple and Intentional Liturgical Living

Christmas is here! Love has come! This is truly one of the most wonderful times of the year!

As Catholics, we know December 25 is just the beginning of the Christmas season. But with all the hullabaloo of the month leading up to Christmas day, it can seem daunting to keep the celebration going. One idea might be to try to go to daily Mass or pray the Liturgy of the Hours as the Church has prayers for these days that help us focus on the season.

Additionally, here is a list of other simple ways to continue celebrating Christ and His Church throughout the remainder of the Christmas Octave.

December 26 // Feast of Saint Stephen

1. Dress in Red. This color is not only appropriate for the Christmas season, it is also appropriate for this feast, as Saint Stephen was the first Christian martyr. 
2. Read Acts 7. The Scriptural account of his bold testimony before the Sanhedrin and the story of his martyrdom. Talk with your family about standing up for your faith.
3. Pray for Persecuted Christians. Offer a family prayer for those suffering for their faith around the world.
4. Pray for All Deacons. Saint Stephen was among the first seven deacons ever appointed. Offer a prayer for all deacons, especially those you know in your community.
5. Bake “Saint Stephen’s Day” Bread. Try making a simple bread or roll to commemorate his role in distributing food to the poor.

December 27 // Feast of Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist

1. Dress in White. The only Apostle who was not martyred and died of old age, the priests will wear white to commemorate him this day.
2. Read from the Gospel of John. Reflect on the Gospel’s prologue (John 1:1-18) to honor Saint John’s theological depth.
3. Toast with “Saint John’s Wine.” Tradition holds that Saint John was unharmed after drinking poisoned wine, so bless your drinks and toast to Saint John’s steadfast faith. In some places it is a tradition to bring your bottles of wine to Mass for a special blessing.
4. Light a Candle. Saint John wrote about the light of Christ. Light a candle as a reminder that Christ is the light of the world.
5. Write Letters. Like Saint John wrote his epistles, write letters or cards to loved ones, encouraging them in faith.

December 28 // Feast of the Holy Innocents

1. Dress in Violet, Rose, or Red. Typically, red is the color that is worn by the priests at Mass this day. However, violet and rose have also been permitted with our liturgical history.  
2. Read from the Gospel of Matthew. Use the practice of lectio divina to meditate on Matthew 2:13-18.
3. Pray for the Children in Harm’s Way. Offer prayers for the protection of unborn children, for an end to abortion, and for all the innocent whose lives are threatened.
4. Donate to a Pro-Life Pregnancy Center or a Children’s Charity. Give toys, clothes, or donations to an organization that supports children in need.
5. Create a Children’s Blessing. Say a special blessing over your own children, asking God to protect them.

December 29 // Optional Memorial of Saint Thomas Becket

1. Dress in Red. Saint Thomas Becket was another martyr who gave his life for Christ and His Church
2. Pray for Religious Freedom. Saint Thomas Becket defended the rights of the Church; pray for religious freedom in the world.
3. Watch a Video. Learn about Saint Thomas Becket’s life and martyrdom by watching a movie or reading about him.
4. Create a Family Chapel. Dedicate a small prayer space in your home where you can offer prayers like Saint Thomas Becket did in his private chapel.
5. Discuss Standing Up for Faith. Have a family discussion about standing up for your faith, even when it’s difficult.

Sunday in the Octave of Christmas // Feast of the Holy Family

1. Dress in Gold for Sunday Mass. Or in gold accents, to match the radiance of this trio’s halos. Say a prayer that you may grow in holiness as you adorn yourself.
2. Read from the Gospel of Luke. Reflect on the Finding of Jesus in the Temple in Luke 2:41-52 . Discuss the similarities you see in your own family (going on family trips, stress, etc.) and behaviors you see from the Holy Family you could model.
3. Family Prayer. Gather the family to pray the Litany of the Holy Family or say a special prayer asking the Holy Family to bless your home.
4. Family Activity Day. Spend intentional time together as a family, like playing games or going on a walk or some other outing.
5. Holy Family Craft. Find a craft that’s right for you and your family to create and place it in your home.

December 31 // Optional Memorial of Saint Sylvester

1. Reflect on the Words of the Nicene Creed. It was under his papacy that the Nicene Creed was formulated.
2. Reflect on the Year. As Saint Sylvester lived during a time of great change in the Church, reflect on the blessings and challenges of the past year.
3. Pray a Te Deum. Traditionally, the Te Deum is prayed on New Year’s Eve to give thanks for the past year. Pray it as a family.
4. Have a New Year’s Eve Prayer Vigil. Spend some time in prayer as a family, thanking God for His guidance throughout the year.
5. New Year’s Gratitude Jar. Write down things you’re grateful for from the past year and share them as a family.

January 1 // Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

1. Dress in Blue. An easy and obvious choice for a Marian feast. You could also wear your Marian pins, earrings, or medals!
2. Attend Mass. Start the New Year by honoring Mary with the celebration of the Eucharist on this Holy Day of Obligation.
3. Pray the Rosary. As a family, pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, focusing on Mary’s role in salvation.
4. Create a Marian Shrine. Dedicate a small space in your home with a statue or image of Mary to honor her as the Mother of God.
5. Bake a “Marian” Dessert. Bake a simple cake with blueberries or cookies with blue frosting in honor of Mary. 

When it comes to celebrating our Faith in God—we can make our celebrations as big or as simple as we’d like! The most important aspect, of course, is to make all of it an act of prayer and something that brings you into greater union with Christ.

Happy Feasting!

About Grace Bellon

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Grace is a regular contributor to the BIS Blog. She had planned to be a nurse until an encounter with Christ in Confession ignited a spark that resulted in an ongoing career as a high school Theology teacher. Though a cradle Catholic, she continues to be amazed at the depth of peace and joy that can be found within the Faith and can’t help but share that passion with others as a teacher, writer, and speaker. Outside of ministry, she dabbles in a bit of everything, excels in almost nothing, and like most moms, cannot survive without at least one cup of coffee a day. Grace resides in Charleston, SC with her hunky husband and their daughter who looks just like him. You can find out more about her here. Read all of Grace's posts here.