I hope you’re enjoying this feast of Saint Nicholas and the second Sunday of Advent. My children and I are up early this morning as they were excited for the feast. They found chocolate coins in their boots and we talked about how Saint Nicholas gave money to the poor and who he was, then… Continue reading Children’s Christmas Stories; The Donkey and the Cross (Free Printout)
How To Storm Jar And Wreath For The Feast Of Saint Nicholas (Free Download)
The feast of Saint Nicholas is fast approaching and I wanted to share something to put out on it’s eve as your family prepares for his feast the next day. When I finished it last year I cannot tell you how pleased I was with the results; I love the images of Father Christmas worshipping the infant Jesus, so this was my starting point.
A Letter From Saint Nicholas To Your Children
In a world that is increasingly hostile to the faith it's good to hold close these joyous feasts like a warm, cosy blanket. As they grow I hope that these strands of faith and truth that are being embedded in their hearts will strengthen them through adversity.
The Magnificat – A Prayer For The Immaculate Conception
The feast of the Immaculate Conception is on the 8th December, but I'm publishing this early so that if you want your children to say this prayer as a novena leading towards the feast you have this as an option. This is part of the series of prayers that link in with specific feasts, but… Continue reading The Magnificat – A Prayer For The Immaculate Conception
10 Christmas Movies To Watch With The Family During Advent
The conversation between the wise professor and the older Pevensie children, Peter and Susan, is a gold mine for discussion points. As they describe their sister’s insistence on the magical world in the wardrobe he asks them if she is normally the truthful one. Of course their response is yes, and he points to her character being an indicator that what she is saying is therefore likely to be true. No matter how fantastical.
Children’s Prayer to Saint Nicholas (Free Printout)
This prayer focuses on Saint Nicholas’s witness to Truth and his mission to save souls, as well as his charity and care for children. There’s an image for little ones to colour in their own individual prayer book. My children will be colouring in the picture as I get dinner ready on the eve of Saint Nicholas’ feast, then they can read the prayer as grace or before bed.
How to Celebrate the Feast of St Nicholas
For families who want to move their children away from the big, jolly man in the red suit with the white beard celebrating this feast can be a blessing. By developing our children's understanding of the real historical person who inspired the familiar legend and traditions we open them up to the real Truth in the season.
Making An Advent Wreath
Advent has started and as I said in my 20 Ways to Keep Christ in Christmas post one of the first decorations to go up is the advent wreath. I made one to sit on our dining table, but I've been so pleased with it I've often put it on our mantle piece. I chose… Continue reading Making An Advent Wreath
20 Ways To Keep Christ in Christmas
I know that Christmas can leave one with the sense of an opportunity missed as if the Divine has escaped me. It can be as if I am a colleague of the Wise Men. I’ve spent my time staring at and studying the stars, but when the most significant astrological event in history occurs and I'm distracted. By focusing on the Christ Child it reorders your soul towards accepting the peace that the season heralds and the justice to our fellow man that it demands.
Children’s Prayer Book; The Angelus Prayer
Over this advent season we’re committing to say the Angelus Prayer as a family. I’ve set my alarm with church bell sounds for 6 am, 12 pm, and 6 pm. It’s a simple prayer, but prepares the thoughts for the Christmas season. God became human and lived amongst us. Alleluia! Attached is a pdf printout… Continue reading Children’s Prayer Book; The Angelus Prayer
