Liturgical Living at Home
December 2025
December is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception
December can be a hard month to live liturgically, because the first 24 days are meant to be a time of preparation — not celebration. And yet, in our society, that’s so hard to do! I actually found myself reflecting on this back in November, while tweaking my fall décor for the third time that season.
In September, I pull out the “fall” decorations — no jack-o-lanterns, no turkeys, just general autumn colors and pumpkins. When October rolls around, we add in the Halloween touches. Then, once November hits, and while some friends are already lighting up their Christmas trees (no judgment!), we pack away the Halloween items and bring out the turkeys and “thankfulness” décor.
A friend once told me she thought it was wild how I compartmentalize all these categories of decorations. And I get it — in the grand scheme of things, this doesn’t really matter. But it got me thinking.
As Advent approaches, I always try to hold off on going “full Christmas” too soon. This year, I think I’ll embrace that rhythm even more intentionally. After Thanksgiving, I’ll put away the fall décor, but instead of diving straight into Christmas, I’ll ease into the season. Maybe I’ll bring out the wintry things first — snowmen, evergreen touches — and then, as we journey closer to Christmas, gradually build toward the fullness of the season.
Because maybe that slow unfolding is part of what Advent is meant to teach us — to wait, to prepare, and to let the joy of Christmas grow gently in our homes and hearts.
Celebrate December Saints with different varieties of hot cocoa!
Hot cocoa is a fun treat in December and there are a few variations on traditional recipes to celebrate several of the feast days in December (see below for recipes)!
- St. Nicholas Day (Dec 6) - German Hot Chocolate
- St. Juan Diego (Dec 9) - Mexican Hot Chocolate
- Our Lady of Guadalupe (Dec 12) - Mexican Hot Chocolate
- St. Lucy (Dec 13) - Scandinavian Orange Hot Chocolate
German Chocolate Hot Cocoa for St. Nicholas (Dec. 6)
Background on St. Nicholas, Bishop
Patron of: Children, sailors, merchants, pawnbrokers, and students
Fun facts:
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Famous for secretly giving gifts to the poor.
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His feast day inspired the modern Santa Claus traditions.
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Many miracles are attributed to his intercession, including calming storms at sea.
Try out reading a book together as a family: The Baker’s Dozen: A Saint Nicholas Tale by Aaron Shepard 2018
GERMAN CHOCOLATE HOT CHOCOLATE
- Pour 2 c milk & 2 c coconut milk into a 1-qt measuring cup. Add 1 capful (about 1/2 t) vanilla, and set aside.
- Place in a medium saucepan:
1/4 c cocoa powder
1/2 c brown sugar
pinch of salt - Whisk in 1/3 c hot tap water, and place over medium heat. Watch carefully and stir frequently until the mixture comes to a full boil; then continue to boil, stirring constantly, for two minutes.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the reserved vanilla milk. Return to the stove at a low to medium setting, until heated through.
- Serve as is, or topped with marshmallows or whippped cream. Makes four (8 oz.) servings of hot cocoa. Tastes great with gingerbread cookies (another German tradition)!
St. Juan Diego (Dec 9) & Our Lady of Guadeloupe (Dec 12)
Background on St. Juan Diego
Patron of: Indigenous peoples of the Americas
Fun facts:
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Witnessed the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe in 1531.
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His tilma (cloak) with the image of Mary is still preserved in Mexico City.
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Canonized in 2002 by Pope John Paul II.
Patron of: The Americas, Mexico, and the unborn
Fun facts:
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Appeared to Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill near Mexico City.
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Her image is said to contain 153 roses and reflects a miraculous weaving of colors.
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Millions make pilgrimages to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe annually.
Consider a family read aloud: Lady of Guadalupe by Tomie dePaola 1980
MEXICAN HOT CHOCOLATE
- Pour 4 c milk into a 1-qt measuring cup. Add 1 capful (about 1/2 t) vanilla, and set aside.
- Place in a medium saucepan:
1/4 c cocoa powder
1/2 c sugar
pinch of salt - Whisk in 1/3 c hot tap water, and place over medium heat. Watch carefully and stir frequently until the mixture comes to a full boil; then continue to boil, stirring constantly, for two minutes.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the reserved vanilla milk. Return to the stove at a low to medium setting, until heated through.
- Makes four (8 oz.) servings of hot cocoa.
- Whisk in 2 t cinnamon and 1/2 t chili powder with the milk.
- If desired, top with sweetened whipped cream and a few shavings of dark, sweet chocolate.
St. Lucy (Dec 13)
Background on St. Lucy:
Patron of: Blind people, eye ailments, and martyrs
Fun facts:
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Her name “Lucy” comes from lux, Latin for “light.”
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She is said to have brought food to Christians hiding in catacombs, carrying it on a tray on her head.
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Common in Scandinavian Advent celebrations; girls often wear candle crowns in her honor.
- Pour 4 c milk into a 1-qt measuring cup. Add 1 capful (about 1/2 t) vanilla, and set aside.
- Place in a medium saucepan:
1/4 c cocoa powder
1/2 c sugar
pinch of salt - Whisk in 1/3 c hot tap water, and place over medium heat. Watch carefully and stir frequently until the mixture comes to a full boil; then continue to boil, stirring constantly, for two minutes.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the reserved vanilla milk. Return to the stove at a low to medium setting, until heated through.
- Whip 1 cup heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold 2 T orange marmalade into the whipped cream.
- Place a large dollop of the orange whipped cream on each serving of the hot cocoa; top with freshly-grated orange zest, if desired.
- Makes four (8 oz.) servings of hot cocoa.
Other December Saints that are fun to celebrate!
December 3 – St. Francis Xavier, Priest
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Patron of: Missionaries, Navarre, and the Jesuits
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Fun facts:
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One of the first members of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits).
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Traveled thousands of miles by sea to evangelize in India, Japan, and the Maluku Islands.
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Often called the “Apostle of the Indies.
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December 7 – St. Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (and friend to St. Augustine)
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Patron of: Beekeepers, beggars, learning, and Milan
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Fun facts:
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Known for his influence on St. Augustine, leading him to convert.
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Famous hymnist; wrote the hymn “Te Deum.”
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Became bishop before even being baptized — a rarity in Church history.
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December 26 – St. Stephen, the First Martyr
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Patron of: Deacons, stonemasons, and bricklayers
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Fun facts:
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One of the first deacons appointed by the apostles.
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Stoned to death for proclaiming Jesus as Messiah — prayed for his executioners as he died.
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Feast day is also called “Boxing Day” in some countries.
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December 27 – St. John, Apostle & Evangelist
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Patron of: Love, friendship, theologians, and writers
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Fun facts:
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Known as “the beloved disciple.”
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Authored the Gospel of John, three epistles, and Revelation.
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Traditionally believed to have lived to an old age, outliving other apostles
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Advent Ideas for families:
- Some of us like to prepare our way to Jesus at Christmas by doing a literal preparation. I've seen various ideas to declutter your home and here was a great 10 x 10 decluttering challenge from Kindling Wild.
- A free Catholic Advent and Christmastide Activities Printable Pack for Kids from Kindling Wild.
- A busy Catholic's guide to celebrating Advent: 10 Tips for Observing the Season (National Catholic Reporter)
- Advent Resources (Busted Halo)
- Advent Wreath Crafts for Kids (Catholic Icing)
- Best Advent Ever (Dynamic Catholic) What is Advent? The Real Meaning of the Season/Activities (sign up to get this resource sent to your inbox)
Have you tried a new liturgical tradition in your family?
Snap a photo and send it our way so we can show others how much fun you're having! There's so much to celebrate and enjoy this month as we wrap up Ordinary Time and start Advent and our preparation time.
The McCarthy Family made a remembrance photo board of family members and friends that have died for their prayer space.