Not only do we celebrate the Light of World coming into our lives in December, this month includes several other important feast days that are rich in meaning and tradition. A fellow homeschooling friend and mom passed along several websites to help make these days come alive for the kids. Now I share them with you:
Feast of St. Nicholas – December 6
Visit the St. Nicholas Center, a website dedicated to “discovering the truth about Santa Claus.” The site includes lots of kid-centric activities. Madeline and I had fun creating the “St. Nicholas Color & Cut Out Play Set” that can be found under the “Activities to Print” heading at the “For Kids” link. We’ve proudly displayed our St. Nick scene in our family room near our crèche. On Thursday morning, the girls will receive little toys and trinkets in their stockings to commemorate St. Nick’s Day. Growing up, my brothers and I always hung our “stockings with care” the night of December 5th rather than on Christmas Eve. The next morning we’d celebrate St. Nicholas Day as my mom’s German heritage dictated. I’m carrying on the tradition with our family. I’ve also added the tradition of giving the kiddos a pair of Christmas PJs on December 6th to wear throughout the Advent and Christmas season. I’m keeping all these pajama sets and one day I plan on making a Christmas blanket for each child.
Feast of St. Lucy – December 13
http://www.penitents.org/lucy.html – This is a great link for St. Lucy admirers. It includes historical information on this Sicilian saint and martyr of the early Church as well as ideas on how to make her feast day meaningful and memorable for your family.
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception – December 8
Yes, it’s still a Holy Day of Obligation even though it falls on a Saturday this year.
Click here for the New Advent Catholic Dictionary’s definition of the Immaculate Conception.
Catholic Culture offers an explanation of the Immaculate Conception complemented by related recipes, prayers, etc. to celebrate our Holy Mother being free from original sin.
Our Lady of Guadalupe – December 12
http://www.maryourmother.net/Guadalupe.html – This site provides information on the feast day in a historical context.
Catholic Culture shares info on the feast day and also associated activities, recipes, etc. for the whole family to enjoy.