It’s nearly that time of year. The wonderful time. Thanksgiving will soon be upon us and three days around that corner it will come out of hiding. The box. While it is itself beautiful to behold, it’s really the contents that stir our excitement. For inside lie wintry touches and rich Catholic traditions that accompany the season of Advent. Lovely, engaging activities and prayers that bring the liturgical year to life in our home as we prepare for the most wonderful time of the year.

Cheery, cozy notes of winter will be decking our halls as a little extra prayer, sacrifice and good works deck our souls. Quieting some areas in our lives to devote space for spiritual reflection. Attempting to uproot a worldly attachment to magnify room in our hearts for the Christ Child. Pushing pause on the world’s premature festivities to dig a bit deeper. Honestly checking ourselves and echoing St. John the Baptist in declaring “He must increase, I must decrease” (St. John 3:30).

The focal point is not cramming as many Advent activities as we can into our days. Such ridiculousness would only snowball into a counterproductive stress and pride. We endeavor to use these traditions as a means of peacefully growing in love and generous service to God and neighbor. How can we ever receive a greater fullness of the Word made Flesh and experience a richer Christmas joy if we do not discipline ourselves in preparation?

The box holds a little bit of something for all ages in our family. And I am a firm believer that one is never too old to enjoy and benefit from an interactive Advent calendar or Jesse Tree.

I may not have chestnuts roasting on an open fire, but I do have something. As a small beacon of light ushering in the most holy night when The Light of the World lies in a humble manger I will cherish Winter Fire*, most likely alongside a coffee and flickering flame. With excerpts and inspiration from a master of reason, wit and rhetoric (none other than G. K. Chesterton), Ryan Whitaker Smith carries the reader along for a warming, soul searching ride that’s much more magical than a one-horse open sleigh. Together, these marvelous writers flush out every nook, cranny and stocking regarding the Christmas season. Designed to begin on Dec. 1 or the 1st day of Advent, this hard cover bound gem includes brief, yet meaty, daily readings followed by a Scripture quote and points for reflection. The charm does not end there, mind you. Vintage art, short stories, recipes and more captivate and create quite the masterpiece.

I invite you to invest in your own box. Through the intercession of Our Lady and St. Joseph, may we prepare for and begin our Advent with generous hearts. God’s grace upon a generous heart will lead to a fruitful Advent season; with ever growing, joyful expectations for the Christmas box to come out of hiding.

*Not affiliated with this site.