--- title: 5 Ways to Keep the Christmas Spirit Alive in Your Heart description: 5 Ways to Keep the Christmas Spirit Alive in Your Heart --- [![catholic-mom-logo-v2](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/images/catholic-mom-logo-v2.svg "catholic-mom-logo-v2")](https://www.catholicmom.com/) [![facebook](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-facebook.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/CatholicMomCommunity) [![twitter](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-twitter.svg)](http://twitter.com/CatholicMomCom) [![instagram](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-instagram.svg)](http://instagram.com/catholicmomcommunity) [![youtube](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAuUqHCVPDzyMgSMaMZxxug?view_as=subscriber) [![search-icon](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/search-icon.svg)](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/2012/12/27/5-ways-to-keep-the-christmas-spirit-alive-in-your-heart#) # 5 Ways to Keep the Christmas Spirit Alive in Your Heart Dec 27, 2012 11:30:57 AM  |  by [Lisa M. Hendey](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/author/lisa-m-hendey) ![5 to Keep the Christmas Spirit](https://www.catholicmom.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/file8091324618568.jpg?width=289&height=434&name=file8091324618568.jpg) 5 Ways to Keep the Christmas Spirit Alive in Your Heart The calendar reads December 27th. Secular society has us fully ensconced in "after-Christmas" sales and is already prepared to move us along to Valentine's Day. And yet we Catholics know that in terms of the liturgical season of Christmas, we're just getting started. Some of you may fall prey to the "after Christmas blues" that seem to hit in these days after the big holiday. We've spent so much time planning, preparing, cooking and making the past week special for our loved ones that when it finally comes, and then goes by so quickly, we may be left feeling exhausted and depressed. If you find yourself in this semi-sad mode, try a few of these simple suggestions to rekindle the Christmas spirit in your heart: 1. **Re-read the infancy narratives**. For a great place to start, spend some time reading and praying with [Luke 2](http://usccb.org/bible/scripture.cfm?bk=Luke&ch=2&v=50002015). Share this with your children by enjoying the story of Jesus' birth in their children's bible. 2. **Continue the giving**. If your family did not already give to a charitable cause this season, make a small family donation in gratitude for your blessings. Consider giving to [Catholic Relief Services](https://secure.crs.org/site/Donation2?1080.donation=form1&df_id=1080&s_src=catholicmom&utm_expid=526618-8) or [CFCA](http://www.cfcausa.org/default.aspx). 3. **[Play Christmas music](http://www.catholic.net/index.php?option=dedestaca&id=268) in your home.** If you received a new smartphone or tablet for Christmas, check out the [free Pandora app](http://www.pandora.com/) or listen from your computer. 4. **Be of Service.** Many social service agencies are overwhelmed with volunteers before Christmas and then find themselves greatly in need of help after the holidays. Contact your [local Catholic Charities agency](http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/) for a great place to start finding great charitable organizations in your community. 5. [**Anticipate the Epiphany of the Lord.**](http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2013-01-06) On January 6th, we celebrate the [Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord](http://usccb.org/bible/readings/010613.cfm). Learn more about traditions and cultural practices tied to the Epiphany [here](http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2013-01-06). Indeed, many families wait until the Epiphany to give gifts, so this might be another time to gather for a special feast with your loved ones and give thanks for your blessings. Do you find this "after-Christmas" period difficult or emotional, or are you simply just "getting into the groove" of the holidays? I'd love to hear from you in the comments! ***Copyright 2012 Lisa M. Hendey***   ### Share this article [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2F2012%2F12%2F27%2F5-ways-to-keep-the-christmas-spirit-alive-in-your-heart%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2F2012%2F12%2F27%2F5-ways-to-keep-the-christmas-spirit-alive-in-your-heart%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2F2012%2F12%2F27%2F5-ways-to-keep-the-christmas-spirit-alive-in-your-heart%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=5%20Ways%20to%20Keep%20the%20Christmas%20Spirit%20Alive%20in%20Your%20Heart) [![Share on Email](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2F2012%2F12%2F27%2F5-ways-to-keep-the-christmas-spirit-alive-in-your-heart%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.catholicmom.com%2Farticles%2F2012%2F12%2F27%2F5-ways-to-keep-the-christmas-spirit-alive-in-your-heart%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ** #### About the Author ![Lisa M. Hendey](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/Lisa%20M%20Hendey%202024.png) ### [Lisa M. Hendey](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/author/lisa-m-hendey) Lisa M. Hendey is the founder of CatholicMom.com, a bestselling author and an international speaker. A frequent radio and television guest, Hendey travels internationally giving workshops on faith, family, and communications. Visit Lisa at [LisaHendey.com](http://lisahendey.com), on her Substack at [LisaHendey.Substack.com](http://lisahendey.substack.com/), or on social media @LisaHendey for information on her speaking schedule or to invite her to visit your group, parish, school or organization. [Find Lisa’s books on her Amazon author page](https://www.amazon.com/Lisa-M-Hendey/e/B002ZM9FH0). [**](http://facebook.com/lisamhendey) [**](http://twitter.com/lisahendey) ## Related Blog Articles [ Two Last Minute Gift Ideas that Will Keep on Giving during the Christmas Season and Beyond Read ](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/2015/12/22/two-last-minute-gift-ideas-that-will-keep-on-giving-during-the-christmas-season-and-beyond) [ Bless Us, O Lord: 3 Minutes with Robert M. Hamma Read ](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/bless-us-o-lord-3-minutes-with-robert-m.-hamma) [ Counting Life's Blessings Read ](https://www.catholicmom.com/articles/2010/03/18/counting-lifes-blessings) ## Comments ## Donate now [![Support Catholic Mom](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/275132/10016573-1c5c-4aa5-baba-c2ac91fe7545.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/275132/10016573-1c5c-4aa5-baba-c2ac91fe7545) [![CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c (002)](https://www.catholicmom.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c%20(002).png?width=1806&height=731&name=CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c%20(002).png "CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c (002)")](https://www.catholicmom.com/) ##### Subscribe to Catholic Momcast on iTunes or Spotify [![itunes-logo-black](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/logos/itunes-logo-black.svg)](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catholic-momcast/id1362352357)[![spotify-logo-black](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/logos/spotify-logo-black.svg)](https://open.spotify.com/show/15CoipHL7z61IDcYErV0b8?si=hqaQJSxDQgq7S1hxCwsoxQ) ##### CatholicMom on Social Networks [![facebook](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-facebook.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/CatholicMomCommunity) [![twitter](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-twitter.svg)](http://twitter.com/CatholicMomCom) [![instagram](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-instagram.svg)](http://instagram.com/catholicmomcommunity) [![youtube](https://www.catholicmom.com/hubfs/_catholicmom/icons/social-icon-youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAuUqHCVPDzyMgSMaMZxxug?view_as=subscriber) ##### About Catholic Mom [Who We Are](https://www.catholicmom.com/about-us) [Contact Us](https://www.catholicmom.com/contact) [Support CatholicMom.com](https://www.catholicmom.com/support-us)   ##### Associated Links [Holy Cross Family Ministries](https://www.hcfm.org/) [Family Rosary](https://www.familyrosary.org/) [Family Theater Productions](https://www.familytheater.org/) [Congregation of the Holy Cross](https://www.holycrossusa.org/) [Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C.](https://www.fatherpeyton.org/) [The Peyton Institute for Domestic Church Life](https://www.peytonfamilyinstitute.org/) ### **Stay connected!** Don’t miss a thing! 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