As we bake cookies and trim trees, it can be easy to become too busy for the most important part of Advent — preparing our hearts and homes for Jesus. You don’t have to give up the fun stuff, but we all do need to make room in our heart — and our schedules — for Jesus during this season of waiting. In the last week before Christmas, here are 10 ways to keep Christ in your Advent and have a more meaningful Christmas this year.
1. Plan a gift for Jesus. Think of something special you can give Christ this Advent. Will you cut back on sweets, add a daily Rosary to your prayer time, or make room in your heart to forgive someone who needs forgiving? Spend some quiet time in prayer, individually or as a family, asking Jesus what gift he wants from you this year. Then open your heart and listen for his answer.
2. Let go. At least once each day, let something go. Don’t snap back when someone else loses his patience with you. Refuse to take part in any family holiday drama. Leave some things undone or done less than perfectly if “doing it right” is going to cost you peace in your heart or your home. When we give in to stress, resentment, and anger, the Advent season of peace and joy becomes anything but.
3. Read the Bible. I sometimes have my older kids each memorize a section of the Christmas story in the second chapter of Luke. Spending our days practicing the words of the story of Christ’s birth kept the real meaning of Advent and Christmas fresh in our minds. Isaiah chapter 9 is another good choice. How can you go wrong with the beauty and majesty of words like, “They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace”? Listening to my kids practice their recitations is always peaceful fodder for reflection during a busy time of year.
4. Bring the nativity home. Many places online sell wooden sets or don't be afraid to display your priceless heirloom nativity set. Put it in a place that is visible to you every day so you can meditate on the Holy Family as you prepare for Christmas.
5. Read to kids. Introduce your nieces and nephews to a wonderful Christmas book collection. Check your library for some Tomie DePaola classics: The Night of Las Posadas, Merry Christmas, Strega Nona, The Night Before Christmas, The Legend of the Poinsettia, and The Lady of Guadalupe are all terrific choices. If there are no small children in your family to read to, “borrow” some by visiting a local school, day care, your parish’s religious education program, or a library story hour, and volunteering to read aloud some Christmas classics.
6. Visit a nursing home. I used to work in the activities department of a nursing home. Let me tell you — a group of people who show up to sing or recite poetry is always a welcome way to spend a few hours. Gather a group together and make a plan to visit a nearby nursing home. If you can't sing, plan some questions to ask the residents or bring along a simple, interactive game like Bingo or Old Maid.
7. Surprise someone. Be a secret St. Nick to someone in need. Leave cookies with a mysterious note for a neighbor, leave an extra-large tip for a frazzled waitress, send an email with a special compliment for a friend, or do the dishes after Christmas brunch without saying a word.
8. Give to babies in need. Remind your family that Baby Jesus was born a poor boy in manger. Collect or buy baby items and clothing to donate to a crisis pregnancy center. Or consider mailing a gift card to someone you know (even an acquaintance) who is expecting a baby or who has recently had a baby.
9. Go find Jesus. Go to Eucharistic adoration or visit a nearby shrine at least once during the Advent season. Make it a special outing with friends — maybe go after an early dinner and take your time looking at Christmas lights on the way home.
10. Add prayer. Consider adding this Advent prayer to your family’s grace before meals: Lord God, may we, your people, who look forward to the birthday of Christ experience the joy of salvation and celebrate that feast with love and thanksgiving. We ask this through our Christ Our Lord, Amen.
