Holy or Ho Ho Ho?

Sheri Wohlfert shares five festive ways to keep our Advent observance rooted in the true meaning of Christmas, plus a bonus tip for the Christmas season. 

Each new December, the battle to balance Holy and Ho Ho Ho begins. Christ is the center of the Christmas celebration, but what does that look like? Perhaps these ideas can help you find a balance that puts Christ’s joy, laughter and peace at the center of your celebrations this December. 

Do The Preparation 

Celebrating and embracing Advent in a purposeful and visible way keeps us anchored in the true meaning of Christmas. Seeing, praying with and lighting those four candles on the wreath keep us mindful and help us anticipate the gift of Jesus. Advent slows us down, helps us grow in patience, and gives us a chance to ponder and prepare. Advent reminds us … not yet! 

Decorate with Meaning 

The colors, lights, and sparkles bring brightness and joy, so enjoy it all — but please consider adding a special touch. Amongst the festive sparkle, include reminders of true meaning by adding nativity characters and manger scenes. When I was a child, we had a large nativity set under the tree. My mom said it was to remind us of the greatest gift: the one that will always fit, never break, and won’t go out of style. Consider a tree decorated completely in nativity characters or helping each child make or pick out an age-appropriate nativity scene for their own room.  

Seek Blessings and Grace 

Blessed objects are set apart and help us obtain the grace needed to grow in holiness. A quick google search will put blessing prayers for the Christmas tree, Manger Scene or Advent Wreath right at your fingertips. It’s a great idea to use these prayers of blessing as a family asking for the grace to keep Christ the focus of the season. 

Give Three Gifts 

The Wise Men brought Jesus three gifts with no expectation of a return on the favor of such extravagance. Individually or as a family, make a plan to offer three gifts with no expectation of a return. These can be gifts of service or material gifts, but they should be rooted in true generosity and genuine love. The gifts can be offered anonymously, or the delivery can be connected to the gift of time and presence. Make this a priority over wish lists and gift shopping. 

Eat the Cake 

Every birthday party should have yummy cake, and Jesus needs a birthday cake too. When I was growing up, Jesus’ birthday cake was always one of the surprises of Christmas. Sometimes we’d have chocolate birthday cake after Christmas Eve Mass, sometimes it would be a cinnamon roll birthday cake on Christmas morning, and sometimes it was cupcakes in the car on the way to Grandma’s house.   

Linger A Little 

Christmas continues into January, so keep a manger scene or a tree up to continue soaking up the gift of the Newborn King. The world cues us to speed up but the Baby Jesus invites us to stay. Share an Epiphany gift, chalk the blessing on your door, and linger with the gifts of the season a little longer. 

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Copyright 2025 Sheri Wohlfert
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