As the flurry of Advent activities begins, take a moment to reflect and prepare mindfully with the article “Keeping Advent.” Download and print the calendar, or bookmark this page to come back to each day for prayers, activities, and inspiration throughout the seasons of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany! You can also sign up to receive weekly emails with the upcoming week’s activities. 

December 1: First Sunday of Advent 
Set up your Advent wreath and light the first candle.  
 
Christians understand the Old Testament as preparing us for the coming of Jesus Christ. Here are some of the passages that connect the Old Testament to the New Testament.

Consider reflecting on one connection each Sunday of Advent as you prepare for the coming of Jesus.  

December 2 
Advent is about preparing for the “three comings” of Jesus: his Nativity in history, his coming again in the future, and his coming into our hearts today. As you decorate and prepare a special place in your home for the Advent season, reflect on or discuss ways you can “decorate” and prepare your hearts for Jesus this Advent. 

December 3: Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier  
Celebrate Saint Francis Xavier by learning more about him and choosing a missionary society to pray for.

December 4  
Identify who is in need within your community and consider some ways you can provide for them. You can use the “‘Be a Servant’ Stars Craft” in your classroom or household to help young people plan acts of service this Advent.

December 5  
Do you have a Nativity scene in your home or classroom? Prepare the manger with acts of love! Use strips of paper, decorative straw, or yarn. Every time someone performs an act of love or service for a family member, friend, or classmate, have them add a strip to the manger. (You can create a list of ideas or write ideas on the paper strips to get started.)

December 6  
This weekend, make a plan as a family to perform an important work of mercy by sending Christmas cards to those who are imprisoned.

December 7: Memorial of Saint Ambrose 
Take some time to learn more about Saint Ambrose. Pray about and discuss ways you can stand true to your faith, even when faced with disagreement.

December 8: Second Sunday of Advent 
Light the second candle on the Advent wreath.  

Reflect on today’s Gospel by reading more about John the Baptist. 

December 9: Immaculate Conception  
Today we celebrate Mary having been born without sin. Her heart was ready to birth Jesus, the Son of God. Explore Mary’s “yes” in the Gospel of Luke today. 

December 10  
Plan a time to receive the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation this Advent (individually or as a family). 

December 11  
We talk about Mary a lot during Advent, especially this week. Spend some special time with Mary in prayer. 

December 12: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe 
Many migrants look to Our Lady of Guadalupe as a source of strength and intercession. Take time today to pray for migrants around the world. 

December 13: Memorial of Saint Lucy 
Discover Saint Lucy together. In Scandinavian countries, Saint Lucy’s Day is celebrated with special breads. Consider baking something together and then offering some to an individual or family you know in your neighborhood or parish who may be having a difficult season. Let them know you are thinking of them and praying for them. 

December 14  
As we are over halfway through our journey of Advent, take some time to reflect. How have you been present to God? How have you not been present? Try this daily examen from Saint Ignatius before going to bed tonight. 

December 15: Third Sunday of Advent 
Light the pink candle, a symbol of joy, on the Advent wreath.

During this week of Advent joy, explore today’s second reading from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Philippians.  

December 16  
Mary trusted God’s Word completely. What are some ways God might be calling you to trust in him?  

December 17  
Today begins the traditional “O Antiphons” of Advent. Each antiphon is a name of Christ, as mentioned in the Scriptures. Research them, find them on YouTube, and pray with them!  

December 18  
In the busyness of preparation, set aside some time to quiet your minds and hearts. Take a walk outside to enjoy the fresh air (enjoy a park or nature preserve, or take in the holiday decorations), or search for an Advent music playlist on Spotify or YouTube. 

December 19  
In today’s Gospel reading (Luke 1:5–25), we hear about Gabriel’s appearance before Zechariah. Gabriel announces that Elizabeth will give birth to a son named John (the Baptist), who will “prepare a people fit for the Lord.” How are we preparing our hearts to for Jesus?  

December 20 
In these last five days of Advent, incorporate prayers for the season from The Catholic Children’s Prayer Book (perhaps when lighting an Advent candle at mealtime or before going to bed). 

December 21 
We journey through Advent, as the Magi journeyed to greet the newborn Jesus. How has your Advent journey been going?  

December 22: Fourth Sunday of Advent 
Light the fourth candle on the Advent wreath.  

In today’s Gospel, we heard about Mary’s journey to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Pray a decade of the Rosary, focusing on the Visitation (from the Joyful Mysteries). 

December 23  
Prepare for Christmas by making a birthday card for Jesus. Adults and adolescents can write a letter to Jesus if they prefer. 

December 24: Christmas Eve 
Talk about the contrast of light and dark, and the difference the light of Christ makes in the world. End the day in prayer, around the lighted Christmas tree or candles. 

December 25: Christmas Day 
Jesus is born!  Explore the joy and wonder of the birth of Jesus along with the shepherds. What gifts has God given you? Like the little drummer boy, what gift can you offer Jesus this week? Be sure to thank God today!   

December 26: Feast of Saint Stephen, Martyr 
Saint Stephen was a deacon who distributed food and aid to the poor. He was also the first saint to be killed for his faith, called a martyr. As you pray for those persecuted for their faith, identify ways you can put your faith into action for justice this week. 

December 27: Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist 
Saint John is known as the Apostle of Love. Spend some time today learning more about Saint John and praying for people you care about.  

December 28: Feast of Holy Innocents 
Remembering the Holy Innocents, pray with your family for other families with young children in your community. 

December 29: Feast of the Holy Family  
All families can be holy by loving and helping one another. Explore today’s Gospel, and then spend some quality time connecting with family or loved ones today. 

December 30 
The calendar year is drawing to a close. Take some time to reflect on things you are thankful for from the past year, using this game. 

December 31  
Use the Saint Mary’s Press saints website to choose a new saint to pray with as a patron for 2025. This can be an opportunity for children and young people to discover a saint, for individuals to seek guidance for a new season of life, or for families to explore a special patron.

To make this a multigenerational church activity, consider having saint names printed on cards or slips of paper that parishioners can draw at random in a common space in your church, and include an announcement or bulletin insert encouraging them to learn more using saint.smp.org.

January 1: Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God 
Reflect on Mary’s story and her role as a mother to all believers. Remembering Mary as our Mother, pray the Hail Mary as a family. 

January 2: Feasts of Saints Basil the Great & Gregory of Nazianzus 
Saint Basil the Great was dedicated to helping the poor. Saint Gregory of Nazianzus, his friend, dedicated much of his own ministry to defending Jesus’ divinity. Honor both of them by donating goods or your time to a local food shelter, as a model of Christ’s love.

January 3
Have you written your Christmas thank-you notes? Make a party of it and write them together. Help one another say thank you to friends and relatives.

You might want to send a family thank-you note to someone who has been particularly good or helpful to your family in the past year. 

January 4: Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton 
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton founded the Sisters of Charity, whose mission was to educate poor children. We can be inspired by her life to reach out to those in need and experience the joy of serving Christ in the process. 

January 5: Epiphany  
Today as you remember the long journey of the Three Kings, consider an Epiphany blessing for your home or classroom.