There are only a few certain things in life – death, taxes, and Christmas falling on December 25 every year.

I’m mostly joking. People have figured out ways to bypass taxes. But Christmas will ALWAYS be on December 25.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to us when the holiday season rolls around at the same time every year – even when it seems like retailers are putting out Christmas decorations earlier and earlier.

Knowing the Advent and Christmas seasons are approaching in the next few months, we as tired parents can be proactive. There are plenty things in life we cannot control (like weather, and your toddler needing to pee precisely when there’s no bathroom in sight), but plenty more we CAN.

That’s why Dave and I have started Christmas `budgeting, planning, and shopping in September.

Put down your pitchforks and allow me to explain.

After first trying this in 2022, here’s why we’re going to continue:

1. Because we have plenty of time to discuss a budget. Dave and I avoid SO MANY arguments when we agree on a budget.
2. We can wait for sales. I just saved over 40% on the matching pajamas for our kids because I waited until a sale hit (Our kids get matching jammies for the First Sunday of Advent, and I never imagined I’d be THAT parent, but while my kids are enthusiastic about matching, we’re doing it, and it’s been delightful! But I digress), and so far, we’ve already come in 20% under budget for gifts.
3. We don’t make impulse purchases. Refer to point #1.
4. We have plenty of time to make changes and allow time for shipping.
5. It’s one way we usher in a peaceful Advent… (which segues nicely into the next part of this post)

A peaceful Advent – a peaceful month of December – can you imagine?

It IS possible. And here are a few easy-to-implement strategies to help your family have a delightful, fruitful Advent season:

1. Do your shopping early. Leave the commercial element out of Advent. Instead of stressing about last-minute purchases, you can focus on what really matters – preparing your heart and home for Jesus’ coming (while still having those meaningful gifts for family and friends)
2. Get your Advent wreath and candles early. We usually buy our candles at the end of the prior Christmas season, but online retailers like ewtnRC.com have these available now. Nothing spoils the season like starting LATE because you didn’t have fresh candles in time!
3. Write your Christmas cards early. In the past, I’ve admittedly grumbled about sending Christmas cards because it felt like a chore. In 2018, we decided to start writing them early (we were planning to move 500 miles away AND deliver a baby during the Christmas season!), and we realized the process was much more enjoyable when we didn’t feel rushed. You’re free to do handwritten cards, photo postcards, or an annual newsletter – and individually address each envelope, use printed labels, or pay a company to do it! Whatever the case, this is something you CAN control and plan for, so why not do it early?
4. Gradually decorate your Christmas Tree. Maybe this doesn’t initially make sense – in the past 3 points, I’ve suggested getting things done EARLY, I know. Notice I don’t suggest waiting until Christmas Eve to decorate the whole tree (though I’m not knocking it if your family likes to do that). Depending on how the dates fall, your family can set up the tree (real or artificial) during the first week of Advent; from there, string the lights but wait to turn them on until the December 13 feast of St. Lucy; beginning December 17, add a few ornaments and baubles each day as you pray the O Antiphons; and on Christmas Eve, finish off with the star or angel atop the tree. See? Suddenly, it’s MUCH more liturgical!
5. Place the focus on practice of the faith during Advent. Have you heard of the Jesse Tree? It’s a devotion that follows Salvation History through the Bible, from Creation to Jesus’ Birth, and helps to build anticipation of the season while also reflecting on our need for a savior. Another easy-to-execute idea is “Jesus, the True Gift of Christmas.” We have a 10″ statue of Baby Jesus that comes with a manger. At the beginning of Advent, Baby Jesus is wrapped in a box with a gold bow and placed under the tree. We set out the empty manger and encourage the kids to make small sacrifices and do good deeds – each of which earns them a piece of “straw” (brown construction paper) to place in the manger. On Christmas morning, the first present opened is “Jesus, the True Gift of Christmas.” We sing the first Christmas Hymn of the season (because, up to this point, we’ve been singing Advent hymns), and thank God for this most precious gift. It’s a wonderful way to usher in the joyful Christmas season and remind our kids that JESUS is the most important – even though the presents are nice too.
   

Again, there are so many things we CANNOT control, but still so many more we can, especially as it relates to the activities and practices in our home.

What would YOU add to the list? If Dave and I have time, we’ll try to add a part two.

From our family to yours, may you have a productive pre-Advent season so you can thoroughly prepare your heart for Christ’s coming.

For more realistic ways to help your family grow in holiness, get your copy of  “The Prayer Book for Tired Parents: Practical Ways to Grow in Love of God and Get Your Family to Heaven” (c) 2022 David and Debbie Cowden. Please only reproduce with permission.