How to make your days during the Christmas season holy

Merry Christmas!  I hope and pray that you and your family enjoy this Christmas season—here are a few suggestions on how to make it holy.
Do think of others, but don’t mistake gift-giving for love.
Do consider helping the poor, but don’t give to the poor just to check a box.
Do spend extra time in prayer, but don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.
Do make an effort to smile at strangers, especially if they seem like they are down on their luck, but don’t look away because they make you uncomfortable.
Do eat delicious food with family and friends, but also help provide for those who would go without.
Do read the Gospel accounts of the birth of our Savior, but don’t forget that He was born to die for our sins.
Do ponder the gracious outpouring of God’s grace, but don’t take it for granted.
Do forgive someone who has hurt or offended you, even if they have not asked for your forgiveness.
Do put up festive decorations, but don’t take them all down a day or two after Christmas Day.
Do celebrate Christmas, but don’t stop celebrating until at least January sixth which is the feast of the Epiphany.
Do choose one Psalm and read it and think about it, but don’t just read it once.  Rather, spend a bit of time pondering what you read.
Do go to confession in preparation of celebrating the coming of the Lord, but don’t neglect to invite your friends and family to the same fountain of mercy.
Do reflect on ways that you have neglected to do good and find a way to be charitable to others.
Do have a Merry Christmas, but don’t forget the true meaning.
God bless you and your family today and throughout the entire Christmas season!
— Pat Arensberg is the Director of the Office for Evangelization and Family Life. Email him at [email protected].
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