Honoring the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God as a Catholic Family with Young Kids

The Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, celebrated on January 1st, is a beautiful way to begin the New Year. This feast day highlights Mary's motherhood. It’s a time to reflect on Mary’s "yes" to God and her unique place in salvation history. Here are some meaningful ways to celebrate this solemnity with your family, especially with young children.

1. Attend Mass as a Family

This solemnity is a Holy Day of Obligation in many countries, making it the perfect opportunity to begin the year in prayer and reflection. Explain to your children that just as we honor our own mothers, we honor Mary as the mother of God and our spiritual mother.

Activity suggestion: Encourage your children to bring a small bouquet of flowers or draw a picture of Mary to offer during Mass as a token of love.

2. Read Stories About Mary

Introduce children to Mary through storybooks or passages from Scripture. Focus on the Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38) or the Nativity (Luke 2:1-20), emphasizing her role as Jesus’ mother.

Activity: After reading, invite your children to share what they learned about Mary or to draw a picture of her with Baby Jesus.

3. Crafts: Make a Marian Candle

Create a Marian-themed candle to use during family prayers throughout the year. This craft helps children connect with Mary and brings her presence into your home.

What You’ll Need:

- A plain white candle

- Blue ribbon (Mary’s traditional color)

- Glue or double-sided tape

- Small Marian medals or stickers

Instructions:

1. Wrap the blue ribbon around the base or middle of the candle, securing it with glue or tape.

2. Attach a Marian medal or sticker to the ribbon.

3. Use the candle during family prayer time to honor Mary.

Check out our Saint Candle Cover collection of 66 saints, including several apparition images of Our Blessed Mother!

4. Pray the Hail Mary Together

Teach and recite the Hail Mary with your children. Explain the meaning of the prayer and how it honors Mary as the Mother of God.

Activity: Create a prayer card with the Hail Mary written on it. Decorate it with Marian symbols like stars, lilies, or the color blue.

5. Prepare a Marian Meal

Incorporate Marian symbolism into a special family meal. For example, serve:

- Blueberry pancakes or other blue foods to symbolize Mary’s traditional color.

- Crescent-shaped cookies, representing her title as “Our Lady of the Moon.”

Activity: Before the meal, say a prayer asking for Mary’s intercession and guidance for the New Year.

6. Create a Marian Altar

Dedicate a small space in your home to Mary by setting up a simple altar. Include a statue or image of Mary, a candle, and flowers.

Activity: Invite your children to help decorate the altar. Use it as a place to pray or reflect throughout the day.

7. Sing Marian Hymns

Music is a wonderful way to honor Mary. Sing traditional hymns like "Hail, Holy Queen," "Immaculate Mary," or "Ave Maria."

Activity: Encourage your children to learn the words or create simple percussion instruments to accompany the songs.

8. Reflect on Mary’s Role in Your Life

Spend time as a family discussing how Mary can inspire your lives. Focus on her virtues, such as obedience, humility, and trust in God.

Activity: Write a family prayer asking for Mary’s intercession in the coming year. Display it somewhere visible as a daily reminder.

9. Bless Your Family for the New Year

Conclude your celebration by asking for Mary’s protection and guidance for the year ahead. Use a simple blessing:

“May Mary, the Mother of God, intercede for us as we begin this new year. May she guide us closer to her Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.”

Celebrating the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, is a meaningful way to start the year as a Catholic family. Through prayer, crafts, and reflection, we can deepen our relationship with Mary and seek her intercession in our lives. How will you celebrate this special feast day with your little ones?