The Christmas season brings unique joys and challenges for Catholic singles. While families gather to celebrate, you might feel uncertain about how to fully embrace the season in a way that feels meaningful. Instead of seeing it as a time that emphasizes being single, view it as an opportunity to deepen your faith, expand your social circle, and find creative ways to celebrate. Embrace this season with joy, purpose, and a spirit of fellowship. Here are some ideas that can help you make the most of Christmas as a Catholic single, focusing on faith, fun, and connection with others.
Create a Christmas Prayer Space
This Christmas, transform a small corner of your home into a space for Advent and Christmas reflection. Design your own altar with a nativity scene, candles, an Advent wreath, and meaningful images. Adding personal touches, like a favorite statue or a special prayer card, can make this corner of your home feel like a sanctuary. Each day, you might light a candle, read Scripture, or spend a few moments in prayer here, reflecting on the season's themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. This sacred space can ground you, offering a regular reminder to focus on the birth of Christ amid the busyness of the holidays.
Volunteer with Catholic service groups
Christmas is a time of giving, and volunteering provides a perfect way to connect with others while living out your faith. For instance, Catholic Charities and Covenant House often welcome volunteers during the holiday season to support those who are struggling. Your parish may offer local initiatives to give back during the holidays, as well.
Whether it’s packing and distributing food boxes, helping families select gifts, or preparing holiday meals, your acts of service will make a tangible difference. Spending time with those in need is also a humbling reminder of the true meaning of Christmas—giving of oneself in love. Volunteering alongside others can also create a sense of fellowship, allowing you to share the Christmas spirit while building meaningful connections.
Caroling with a Group
Caroling is a festive and communal way to spread Christmas cheer and feel part of a joyful tradition. Many parishes or Catholic young adult groups organize caroling events, which often involve singing at nursing homes, hospitals, or around the neighborhood. If your parish doesn’t have one, consider starting your own small group! Gather some friends, print song lyrics, and make an evening of it. Caroling can be a memorable way to uplift others who may need a reminder of the season’s joy, and it gives you a chance to bond with fellow Catholics who share your love for music and tradition.
Host a Holiday Gathering or Potluck
A Christmas gathering or potluck is a simple way to connect with friends, family, and fellow parishioners. Host an informal event, inviting others who may not have family nearby. A potluck can be a fun, relaxed affair—everyone brings a dish, and you all get to sample each other’s Christmas traditions.
Consider adding a “secret saint” gift exchange or encouraging guests to share their favorite Christmas memory or holiday prayer. This kind of celebration fosters community and warmth, reminding everyone that Christmas is about shared joy and connection. It’s a great way to make new memories and bring people together in the spirit of the season.
Make a Special Meal for Yourself
Cooking or taking out a feast-day-themed meal for yourself during the holidays can be a delightful way to celebrate the saints and their stories, even if you’re celebrating solo. Each saint comes from a unique culture, often reflected in their region's foods, giving you the chance to create a meal inspired by a saint’s ethnicity, culture, or place of origin. Not only can this deepen your appreciation for their lives and traditions, but it also lets you try new flavors and recipes.
Here are some feast days from November to January, along with ideas to bring their traditions to your table:
November
- November 13 – St. Frances Xavier Cabrini (Italy/US)
Enjoy Italian-American favorites like lasagna or New York-style cheesecake.
December
- December 6 – St. Nicholas (Turkey)
Make Turkish kebabs or baklava to honor this generous saint. - December 12 – Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mexico)
Prepare tamales or pozole in honor of her appearance in Mexico. - December 25 – Christmas, the Nativity of the Lord
Serve a family favorite or holiday classic, such as roasted meats or panettone.
January
- January 1 – Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God
Start the New Year simply with bread and honey, symbolizing humility and grace. - January 6 – Epiphany (Three Kings Day)
Enjoy a “king cake” or a galette des rois, honoring the Magi’s journey. - January 28 – St. Thomas Aquinas (Italy)
Savor Italian dishes like risotto or pasta, reflecting this Italian saint’s heritage.
Set Up a "Giving Tree" or "Advent Giving Calendar"
Bring a spirit of generosity into your home with a “Giving Tree” or an “Advent Giving Calendar.” For the Giving Tree, write acts of kindness, prayers, or charitable items on tags and hang them on a small tree. Each day, choose a tag and complete the suggested action, whether it’s donating a toy, praying for someone, or volunteering your time.
Alternatively, you could create a calendar where each day involves a small gift or act of charity. Invite friends or family members to join in or collaborate with your parish. This activity keeps you focused on giving and brings meaning to each day of Advent.
