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Christmas is more than a single day—it’s a season of joy that begins on December 25 and continues through the days to follow.

Within the Church, it’s a season that spans the 12 Days of Christmas, culminating in the Feast of the Epiphany. The Christmas season celebrates the birth of Christ and the anticipation of his second coming, inviting us to embrace its message of hope, peace, and love. These days are a meaningful time to celebrate, offering a unique opportunity to embrace the joy of Christ’s birth each day.

Here are 12 thoughtful ideas to celebrate Christmas as a Catholic during this sacred time:

1. Attend Christmas Day Mass

Begin the season by attending Mass and dressing up to honor this Holy Day of Obligation and the birth of Christ. After Mass, gather family and friends to put on a Nativity play, bringing the Christmas story to life in a fun, meaningful way.

2. Participate in the Feast of the Seven Fishes

Celebrate Christmas Eve with this Italian tradition, enjoying a seafood feast to commemorate the birth of Christ at midnight.

3. Bless Your Home for the New Year

As you approach the New Year, invite a priest to bless your home, asking for God’s protection and guidance in the coming year.

4. Celebrate the Christmas Octave

The Christmas Octave extends the celebration from December 25 to January 1, with feasts on each day. Celebrate by hosting dinner at different homes each night or have themed meals based on each feast day.

5. Celebrate Boxing Day on December 26

Use the Feast of St. Stephen, the first martyr, as an opportunity for acts of generosity. Like St. Wenceslas, who gave to those in need, you can deliver baked goods to neighbors or package up donations for those in need.

It’s not Christmas quite yet, so dive fully into Advent with our list of 10 Advent Songs to Get You in The Spirit!

6. Bless Wine on the Feast of St. John, on December 27

On the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, who survived drinking poisoned wine, a charming tradition is to bring wine to church for a special blessing. Then, gather with friends and family to enjoy a meal, share stories, and toast to St. John’s feast day.

7. Bless Your Children on the Feast of the Holy Innocents on December 28

Mark the Feast of the Holy Innocents by blessing your children with holy water, remembering the young children of Bethlehem persecuted by King Herod, and praying for all children.

8. Celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family on the Sunday after Christmas

Spend quality time as a family with a simple walk or shared meal, reflecting on the Holy Family’s example and what it means to be a Catholic family.

9. Offer a Rosary on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, on January 1

Celebrate Christmas as a Catholic by honoring the Solemnity of Mary. Pray the rosary, dedicate the new year to the protection of Our Lady, or bring roses to place at her statue at Mass.

What is Advent? Before celebrating Christmas with this list, dive deep into the season of Advent.

10. Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, on January 3

Reflect on the power of Jesus’ name in prayer, perhaps creating a prayer card with personal or family intentions.

11. The Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, on January 6

Mark the Feast of the Epiphany by blessing your home with chalk. Write the initials of the Magi (C+M+B) above the door, symbolizing Christ’s blessing over your household. Celebrate the visit of the Wise Men by exchanging small gifts and hosting a potluck dinner with friends to mark the close of the Christmas season.

12. The Baptism of the Lord, on the Sunday after the Epiphany

End the season by reflecting on Jesus’ baptism and renewing your own baptismal promises.

13. Pray the Rosary all season, especially reflecting on the Joyful Mysteries

One of the best ways to honor the Christmas season is by living out the beginning of Jesus’s life. Connect with his mother Mary through the Rosary and see his life through her eyes.

Embracing the Christmas season reminds us of the joy beyond the festivities, letting Christ’s presence shine through our everyday actions. Happy Advent and Merry Christmas!