Using Advent Traditions to Deepen Our Faith

Homeschoolers are uniquely positioned to keep Advent in the way the Church encourages, bringing back traditions to deepen our faith as we prepare for the coming of Our Savior.Today, Mary Ellen and Ginny bring home the message that, despite what the big-box store says, Christmas does not begin when Halloween ends. Here’s what your family can do. Show Notes:In recent years, the practice of observing Advent has grown lukewarm. Many forget that the Christmas season begins on December 24th with the Vigil of the Solemnity of the Nativity.Homeschoolers are uniquely positioned to lead the way and keep Advent, one of the richest and most beautiful of liturgical seasons, in the way the Church encourages. If you are called to bring back traditions that deepen our faith as we prepare for the coming of Our Savior, here’s how:An easy observance: The Advent wreath·      Three purple and one rose-colored candle·      Light the candles, adding one each week, at dinner time.·      You can find lots of Advent wreath prayers online.How to Make Observing “Little Lent” FunThis is a penitential season, often called “Little Lent.”Children are very visual - explain the meaning of the season's colors.Purple for the Penitential seasonRose colored Gaudete Sunday.Christmas is gold and white.Ask them to notice:The Gloria is removed from Mass, just as it is in Lent.But the Alleluia is kept because we are anticipating a joyful birth.Use an Advent calendar or a paper chain to count down the days.If you make a paper chain:Use purple paperOne pink chain link for Guadete SundayCelebrate Catholic New Year’sThe Saturday night before the first Sunday in AdventThis year – 12/29/25Make a special dinner.Have party hats and noisemakersSparkling apple juice to toast the new liturgical yearPut out a Nativity set.Leave out the infant Jesus for now.Keep a jar or basket of straw nearby.When the children make a sacrifice or penance, have them place a straw in the manger to make a soft bed for Baby Jesus.Enthrone Baby Jesus after midnight on December 24Celebrate the SaintsBecause Advent contains both penance and joy, we can celebrate the many feast days throughout the season.December 4th, the feast of St. Barbara, patroness of architects, you might build a graham cracker house.December 9th, for St. Juan Diego’s feast, make a brown paper tilma and serve tacos.December 12th, to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe, create paper roses and enjoy Mexican hot cocoa.Observe Ember Days and O Antiphons. These lesser-known liturgical observances of the Church are beautiful. 2025 Advent Activities for Catholic Homeschoolers has over 200 activities, crafts, and recipes for Advent.2025 Advent Activities for Catholic Homeschoolers are Available for purchase.2025 Advent Activities for Catholic Homeschoolers Free Download Homeschooling ResourcesSeton Home Study SchoolSeton Testing Services