Monthly Overview

• December 3: St. Francis Xavier

• December 6: St. Nicholas of Myra

• December 8: Immaculate Conception

• December 12: Our Lady of Guadalupe

• December 13: St. Lucy

• December 25: Christmas

• December 26: St. Stephen the Martyr

• December 27: St. John the Apostle

St. Francis Xavier

Feast Day: December 3

Fun Facts:

• St. Francis Xavier was one of the first Jesuits and a close friend of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

• He traveled extensively to spread Christianity, including India, Japan, and Southeast Asia.

• He is the patron saint of missionaries.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Pray for missionaries around the world who are spreading the faith.

• Learn about a country where St. Francis Xavier preached the Gospel.

• Make a map craft showing his missionary journeys.

• Write a letter to encourage someone in your life to grow in their faith.

• Say a prayer asking for St. Francis Xavier’s intercession to strengthen your faith.

About the Saint:

St. Francis Xavier was a bold missionary who traveled thousands of miles to spread Christianity. Despite hardships, he preached with zeal and baptized thousands. His work reminds us of the importance of sharing the Good News with others.

St. Nicholas of Myra

Feast Day: December 6

Fun Facts:

• St. Nicholas inspired the modern-day Santa Claus.

• He was known for his generosity, especially to children and the poor.

• One of his most famous acts was secretly giving dowries to save three sisters from poverty.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Leave small treats or gifts in your shoes, a tradition inspired by St. Nicholas.

• Read a story about his life and acts of kindness.

• Use our free St. Nicholas Activities printable! Includes coloring page, letter to St. Nicholas, and orange garland craft.

• Create a giving jar to collect money for the poor.

• Say a prayer to ask St. Nicholas to help you grow in generosity.

About the Saint:

St. Nicholas was a bishop in Myra who lived his faith through acts of charity. He was deeply devoted to helping the poor and is remembered for his secret gifts and acts of kindness. His life encourages us to give generously and care for others.

Check out our Preparation for St. Nicholas Day post to get more ideas!

Immaculate Conception

Feast Day: December 8

Fun Facts:

• The Immaculate Conception refers to Mary being conceived without original sin.

• This doctrine was formally declared by Pope Pius IX in 1854.

• Mary is the patroness of the United States under this title.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Attend Mass to honor Mary’s special role in salvation history.

• Create a craft of a lily to symbolize Mary’s purity.

• Pray a decade of the Rosary, focusing on the Joyful Mysteries.

• Talk about the meaning of the Immaculate Conception with your family.

• Say the Hail Mary, asking for Mary’s intercession.

About the Feast:

The Immaculate Conception celebrates God’s unique grace in preserving Mary from original sin. This feast reminds us of Mary’s perfect “yes” to God and her special role in bringing Jesus into the world.

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Feast Day: December 12

Fun Facts:

• Mary appeared to St. Juan Diego in 1531 in Mexico.

• Her miraculous image was imprinted on St. Juan Diego’s tilma.

• She is the patroness of the Americas and the unborn.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Make a rose craft to remember the roses Our Lady gave to St. Juan Diego.

• Read the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s apparition.

• Prepare a Mexican meal to honor her cultural significance.

• Light a candle and pray for the unborn and families in need.

• Say a prayer asking for Our Lady’s intercession for peace and protection.

About the Feast:

Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to St. Juan Diego with a message of hope and love. Her miraculous image on his tilma continues to inspire devotion. She reminds us of God’s love for all people and the dignity of every life.

St. Lucy

Feast Day: December 13

Fun Facts:

• St. Lucy is the patron saint of the blind and those with eye problems.

• Her name means “light,” and her feast day is associated with light festivals in many cultures.

• She is often depicted holding a palm branch and a pair of eyes on a plate.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Light candles or string up lights to celebrate St. Lucy’s feast.

• Read about her life and her brave faith.

• Make a crown of candles (or paper) to wear in her honor. We have one already made for you in our Advent & Christmas Playschool Kit!

• Bake St. Lucy’s buns or another festive treat to share with family.

• Say a prayer asking St. Lucy to help you see God’s light in your life.

About the Saint:

St. Lucy was a young martyr who gave her life for Christ during Roman persecution. Her name, meaning “light,” symbolizes her unwavering faith and her role as a guide to others in darkness.

Christmas

Feast Day: December 25

Fun Facts:

• Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior.

• The word "Christmas" comes from “Christ’s Mass.”

• Jesus was born in Bethlehem, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Attend Mass to celebrate Jesus’ birth.

• Set up a Nativity scene to reflect on the holy night.

• Read the story of Jesus’ birth in the Gospel of Luke.

• Sing Christmas carols as a family. Our Little Book of Christmas Carols is perfect for this!

• Say a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s gift of Jesus to the world.

About the Feast:

Christmas is a joyful celebration of Jesus’ birth, a reminder of God’s love for us. The Nativity story invites us to reflect on the humility and grace of the Incarnation, where God became man to save us.

St. Stephen the Martyr

Feast Day: December 26

Fun Facts:

• St. Stephen was the first Christian martyr.

• He is the patron saint of deacons and stonemasons.

• His story is told in the Acts of the Apostles (Chapters 6-7).

Ways to Celebrate:

• Read about St. Stephen in the Bible.

• Make a craft of stones to symbolize his martyrdom.

• Pray for those who are persecuted for their faith.

• Help someone in need, following St. Stephen’s example of charity.

• Say a prayer asking St. Stephen to help you stay strong in your faith.

About the Saint:

St. Stephen boldly proclaimed the Gospel and became the first martyr for Christ. His unwavering faith and forgiveness of his persecutors remind us to trust in God and love our enemies.

St. John the Apostle

Feast Day: December 27

Fun Facts:

• St. John was one of Jesus’ closest apostles and is called “the beloved disciple.”

• He wrote the Gospel of John, three Epistles, and the Book of Revelation.

• He is the only apostle believed to have died a natural death.

Ways to Celebrate:

• Read a passage from the Gospel of John.

• Write a letter to a friend or loved one, inspired by St. John’s Epistles.

• Create an eagle craft, St. John’s symbol.

• Talk about the love of Jesus and how St. John shared it with others.

• Say a prayer to ask St. John to help you grow in your love for Christ.

About the Saint:

St. John the Apostle was a faithful follower of Jesus and a powerful witness to His love. Known as the “beloved disciple,” he reminds us to live in close relationship with Christ and share His love with others.