Overwhelmed by Advent? Try a Simpler Approach

Does thinking about Advent make you feel overwhelmed? AnneMarie Miller offers practical ways to embrace a simple, non-rushed approach to the Advent season. 

We may still be in Ordinary Time, but before we know it, Advent will be here. This period before Christmas is a beautiful time for us to prepare for Christ’s coming. Sunday Mass looks and sounds a little different as the Church cradles us, holding us back from the full, joyful exuberance that will burst forth when we celebrate Christ’s birth at Christmas. 

Unfortunately, with all the activities, devotions, and commitments that cram our lives, the simple Advent season can quickly turn into a busy jumble of activities and events. We can find ourselves longing for Christmas to come quickly, just so life can calm down. 

If the approaching season of Advent is making us overwhelmed, a simpler approach to the season may be what we need. Here are ideas to get us started:

Do Less 

Many amazing Advent devotions are available to us, and sometimes we think we have to do them all. Furthermore, many events with work or school crowd our calendars as well, keeping us from the quiet rest and prayer that we need. If all the devotions, commitments, and activities are making you overwhelmed and preventing you from preparing for Christ’s birth, then I encourage you to do less. 

You may need to drastically reduce the number of activities or prayer devotions that you do, and you may need to decline invitations to different gatherings, but that’s okay. Choose to do what is most fruitful for you and your family at this time, and say “no” to the rest.

Ease into Advent 

Sometimes, we think that we need to have all our Advent materials ready as soon as the first Advent candle is lit. However, having everything lined up for Advent can be challenging for anyone who is already juggling many responsibilities concerning work, community service, and parenting. Instead of trying to do all the prayers and devotional activities at once, what if we ease into Advent and gradually include different prayers or activities each week? Every year, I am grateful that my go-to Advent devotional, A Monastery Journey to Christmas, begins on November 15; this earlier start date allows me to gently slip into the season. 

Participate in the Life of the Church 

Sometimes, we think that we need to orchestrate all of our family’s meaningful Advent practices by ourselves. Armed with amazing books and online resources, we try to implement whatever will benefit our kids. While our enthusiasm is admirable, we need to remember that we don’t have to reinvent the wheel and create every Advent experience by ourselves. 

If you live in an area where different Catholic parishes offer Advent devotional practices, give those a try! For example, last year, I took a couple of my young kids to Las Mañanitas, a beautiful morning service dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe. In the months since, one of my kids has repeatedly brought up this experience with fondness. I didn’t have to create that Advent experience myself (although we did have to wake up incredibly early), and attending the event was a great way to strengthen our bonds with the local Catholic community. 

Perhaps a church in your area offers Las Posadas, Advent Lessons and Carols, or the Rorate Caeli Mass. All these traditions are wonderful ways to observe Advent and grow in unity with other Catholics. We need to remember that we don’t have to journey through Advent alone!

Integrate Penance 

Although Advent is not frequently thought of as a penitential time, this season offers an opportunity for deeper penance and prayer as we prepare for the coming of Jesus. When we offer small sacrifices, our minds and hearts are turned away from the chaotic bustle of December and become more centered on Christ. We can give up social media, television, or post-dinner snacking. We can observe the Ember Days that fall within Advent, or we can simply add in extra silent prayer time each day. Some years, our family gives up sweets (excluding Sundays and a couple of prominent feast days), and along with helping us focus on Jesus, this simple sacrifice also makes us all the more excited to celebrate Christmas!

Do you have any ideas for how we can simplify Advent and better focus on Christ?

Please share them in the comments! For more on liturgical living, visit Silvia-Maria Patalano Ross's recent article.

Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2026 AnneMarie Miller
Images: Canva