On Sunday,
a friend taught our RCIA students on the Catholic Liturgical Calendar. As, I introduced the speaker I told my
students how if they thought Mexican’s were festive people- they were about to
find out that Catholics beat them! No
sooner had I hopped on the Catholic train than I realized that throughout the
year we celebrate all types of neat occasions. That certain traditions help to bring
families together and to bring them together under God. Like this coming Sunday we celebrate my
favorite titles for Jesus, Cristo Rey, Christ the King. We have arranged a great celebration for our
students, with treats and the singing of the traditional militant Catholic song
“Viva Cristo Rey.” We will of course
give a short summary of the Cristeros and the significance of our hymn.
At home I
can’t wait to start our annual Advent Calendar.
Last year I bought on sale the Starbucks ornament Advent Calendar
(always thrifty is my motto) and this year I have filled the baubles with yummy
surprises for my nephew to discover.
After we read a part of the Christmas Story, from a chapter book, Child of the Promise, he will open his ornament
and hang it on our tree! I might be more
excited than him (smile). He really
loves to do these things with me, sometimes I am so tired from my day’s work,
but the kiddo searches for me and perseveres until we complete our daily goal. During the reading of the Christmas Story he
usually has a lot of good questions- as he’s getting older the questions often send me in search of the correct answers.
Though it’s a commitment to work on the calendar daily and sometimes we
might miss a day, I want to enjoy these moments while I have my nephew’s
interest. My dog of course usually
participates, by keeping a close eye on those treats, lest one falls down and
he quickly picks it up with a lick (smile).
Our local parish had a couple Advent devotionals for families, I'll see which one works best for us.
I love this chapter book it has beautiful artwork and great narratives of the Christmas story.
Another of
our annual traditions is the Advent wreathe.
Last year, in after Christmas sales I got myself this really cool
looking wreathe with the nativity scene (I collect Nativities so this was such
a great find) and I just can’t wait to use it.
Usually, this is something that I try to do with my parents on
Sundays. We normally light the candle
together and unite in prayer. It’s
something really simple, but it’s so cute because my dad always reminds me if I
forget. He has such a funny sense of
humor and usually makes some joke about my forgetfulness and by the time we
finish our prayer we are just so full of joy.
I am not
married, nor do I have any kids- but even as a single person I have found that
instituting some traditions into my life and the life of my loved ones makes
waiting for Jesus so much more special.
The great thing is that they are so open and willing to try these
traditions with me. Sometimes, some of
the activities that I propose tank, but I have found that for this time of year
these two activities bring enjoyment and a deepening of faith for my pack. Do you have any Advent traditions? 
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