December 25 - January 1

Activity 13: DIY Christmas Prayer Cards  |  Download

In Christ alone — Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas!

Today, break out some paper and crayons and create your own homemade Christmas cards! 

Activity 14: Chalking of the Door  |  Download

As we prepare for the Epiphany, celebrated on January 2, we encourage your household to adopt the “Chalking the Door” tradition.

Gather indoors or outside by a prominent door in your home
Write with chalk or create a sign to place above your door
Use the message 20+C+M+B+22.

“CMB" is an abbreviation for the Latin Christus Mansionem Benedicat, “May Christ bless this home.” It also represents the names of the three Wise Men: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. The “+” signs represent the cross, and the numbers to the left and right are the year.

For more information on the Epiphany tradition

Activity 15: Clean Your Heart and Home   

Start the new year with a clean slate. Consider these ideas to clean out your home and your heart to make room for the new year.

❤️ Recycle leftover boxes and wrapping paper from Christmas gifts
❤️ Declutter your closet and dressers, donating unneeded items
❤️ Create a collage of photo Christmas cards from family and friends to display as a keepsake
❤️ Go to confession and pray for God’s help in the new year
❤️ Reach out to a family member or friend you’ve lost contact with
❤️ Sift through your phone and mobile devices to remove any unnecessary (or addicting) apps
❤️ Organize your household bookshelves and donate any old or gently used books
❤️ Attend New Year’s Day Mass to celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God

How will you prepare your home and heart for 2022?