Do the preparation

Celebrating and embracing Advent in a purposeful and visible way keeps us anchored in the true meaning of Christmas. Seeing, praying with and lighting those four candles on the wreath keep us mindful and help us anticipate the gift of Jesus. Advent slows us down, helps us grow in patience and gives us a chance to ponder and prepare. Advent reminds us … not yet!

Décor dos

The colors, lights and sparkles of the season bring brightness and joy so enjoy it all, but consider adding a special touch. Among the festive sparkle, include reminders of the true meaning by adding Nativity characters and manger scenes. Growing up, we had a large Nativity set under the tree. My mom said it was to remind us of the greatest gift; the one that will always fit, never break and won’t go out of style. Consider a tree decorated completely in Nativity characters or helping each child make or pick out an age-appropriate Nativity Scene for their own room.

Blessings and grace

Blessed objects are set apart and help us obtain the grace needed to grow in holiness. A quick internet search will put blessing prayers for the Christmas tree, Nativity Scene or Advent Wreath right at your fingertips. It’s a great idea to use these prayers of blessing as a family, asking God for the grace to keep his Son the focus of the season.

Three gifts

The Magi brought Jesus three gifts with no expectation of a return on the favor of such extravagance. Individually or as a family, make a plan to offer three gifts with no expectation of a return. These can be gifts of service or material gifts, but they should be rooted in true generosity and genuine love. The gifts can be offered anonymously, or the delivery can be connected to the gift of time and presence. Make this a priority over wish lists and gift shopping.

Eat the cake

Every birthday party should have yummy cake, and Jesus needs a birthday cake too. Growing up, Jesus’ birthday cake was always one of the surprises of Christmas. Sometimes we’d have chocolate birthday cake after Christmas Eve Mass, sometimes it would be a cinnamon roll birthday cake Christmas morning, and sometimes it was cupcakes in the car on the way to Grandma’s house.

Linger a little

Christmas continues into January so keep a manger scene or a tree up to continue soaking up the gift of the Newborn King. The world cues us to speed up but the Baby Jesus invites us to stay. Share an Epiphany gift, chalk the blessing on your door and linger with the true gifts of the season a bit longer.