Advent is one of my favorite liturgical seasons. It is like the quiet before the glorious storm of Christmas. But let’s be honest, in a house full of kids, extended family plans, and constant Amazon boxes arriving at the door, “quiet” is a relative term.
Still, Advent is not meant to be business as usual with a purple candle thrown in. It is a time to slow down, reflect, and prepare our hearts for Christ. Not just for the manger scene, but for the daily encounter with Jesus, and ultimately for when He comes again.
Here are a few ways we try to keep Advent meaningful and manageable.
1. Set the Tone with the Advent Wreath
We light the Advent wreath every evening before dinner. Even if the meal is boxed mac and cheese and someone is crying because their fork is the wrong color, we pause. We light the candle. We pray a short prayer. It grounds us. If you have little ones, let them take turns lighting (with supervision, learned that the hard way).
You do not need a fancy wreath. Four candles in mason jars work just fine. It is the pause that matters.
2. Confession is Better Than a Gift Receipt
Advent is a penitential season. A little quieter than Lent, but just as powerful. Making time for confession during Advent is like clearing the clutter from your soul before the Guest of Honor arrives.
We try to go as a family once or twice during the season. Is it chaotic? Yes. Is it worth it? Always.
3. Daily Scripture or Reflection
You do not need to be a theologian. Just pick something simple. A daily verse. An Advent devotional. Even just a moment to read the Gospel of the day and ask, “What is God trying to say to me?”
We sometimes read the Sunday Gospel together on Saturday night to help prepare. And if your mornings are nuts, do it in the car. Or while folding laundry. Or hiding in the pantry with a piece of chocolate.
4. Acts of Charity – Small but Real
This is the season of giving. But not just toys and socks and stuff that will be lost by New Year’s. Give kindness. Give time. Give attention to someone who is lonely.
Let the kids each pick a way to give — a food pantry item, a note to a neighbor, holding the door, giving up the last cookie (miracles do happen). Advent is a great season to build the habit of generosity.
5. Attend Mass More Often
The best way to prepare your heart for Jesus is to receive Him.
If possible, try to add one weekday Mass to your week. Bring a kid. Go solo. Make it a quiet offering. Even one extra Mass during Advent can re-center your soul.
Psalm 116:13 says, “I will raise the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.” That’s the Eucharist. That is the best thank-you gift we can offer the Lord.
6. Keep It Real and Keep It Christ-Centered
You are not going to do all the things. You are not going to be the perfect Catholic Pinterest parent. You will forget a candle. You will yell. You will burn cookies and miss your prayer time. It is okay.
God sees the desire. He honors the effort. Invite Him in, even in the mess.
Advent Is Not About Perfection. It Is About Preparation
So light the candles. Go to confession. Pray when you can. Say no to the chaos when you need to. Say yes to Christ every day.
And maybe say no to that inflatable lawn nativity until the Third Sunday. Or not. I will not judge.
