Celebrating Christmas the Same, But Different

Caroline Godin reminds us that while seasonal traditions may change, the most important reason for the season never does. 

I’m over-the-top in love with the Advent and Christmas seasons. But I’m also overwhelmed and exhausted in this chapter of life. Still, I’m not going to let life’s wrenches and potholes keep me from enjoying my favorite time of year. One way or another, I keep the importance of the season first and give myself all the reminders I need. 

The Nativities 

My Willow Tree nativities go up every year without fail. I have the big statues of Mary holding Jesus and of Joseph on the window sill of the kitchen’s bay window and the smaller set on the beautiful mantle my husband built. Those are the first things up and they stay all through the season. 

We’ve acquired a dragon tree that sits in the bay window since last year along with a small ficus. They take up quite a bit of room, but I managed to get them to the side so the Holy Family can take the center. My cat’s not too pleased to lose her perch. 

Oh well, I tell her, Jesus first. 

I like to leave the nativity up through Candlemas on February 2nd, but my husband wants the window back for the cat and his trees. I’ve agreed to compromise and put only the large set away after Epiphany Sunday. 

The Parties 

Family and friend get-togethers are planned and on the calendar. That’s a must for such a busy time, but this year it’s different. Some usuals can’t be at some events. Others are doing things differently. We won’t see all the same people and one of the traditional Yankee Swaps is canceled. This will also be my parents’ first Christmas in their new place, which will be hard for them. 

To help, I set up my mom’s favorite decorations for her to help bring Christmas cheer. I’ve finally booked a ladies’ no-kid Christmas party for some friends. Bring the wine; this is long overdue! We’re trying to be flexible on what others can do in terms of travel and time. We’ll see most folks, and we’ll touch base with others. 

The Budget 

Everyone feels the crunch. Prices go up, salaries stay the same or go down. Times are tough. The older two have jobs and cars and get it for the most part. We’ll have a little less wrapping to do but that’s okay. We’ll still have the most important pieces of the holiday in place: Mass Christmas Eve, family at the cousins’ house late, Christmas morning with a slow breakfast and all of us together, and close family over for the Christmas dinner. You can’t put a price on that—and thank goodness, because I’m sure I couldn’t afford it. 

The Savior 

Traditions come and go more than we’d like, but one that’s firm is our faith. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Jesus didn’t come for parties and presents. He came to bring us salvation as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. This is the joy we focus on. The celebration is a reaction to that joy, not the reason for it. If we can keep Him as the center of our Advent and Christmas season, and the center of every season throughout the year, we’ll find that joy throughout our lives. 

So, put up those nativity sets, plan those parties, and watch those budgets. Just make sure Jesus is the center of all you do and let the rest fall into place. 

Breathe, mamas. Let the peace of the first Christmas be with you and your families this year and always. 

Bonus: Catholic Business Alert! 

On the topic of keeping Christ as the center of our focus, check out this lovely little business called Our Holy Home. You’ll find cards, linens, pillows, and more with various Catholic themes from Mother Teresa to Mother Mary. Sister company to Sock Religious, Parish Gear, and 4 Marks Printing, Our Holy Home is part of Catholic Concepts, founded by Scott and Elisabeth Williams, who seek to bring faith home in a world of consumerism. Use coupon code CatholicMom20 and get 20% off the Catholic Christmas Card Collection! 

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Copyright 2025 Caroline Godin
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