2020 Christmas Gift Ideas & Stocking Stuffers {Plus Another Sleighful of Giveaways}
Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom to enter the giveaway for a chance to win one of 20 PRIZES with a combined value of $2,150! Please keep these Catholic businesses and authors in mind when shopping for gifts this Christmas season!
Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Links to St. Augustine Academy Press, Etsy, ChewsLife and Socks Religoius are affiliate links.
.: New Finds for Advent and Christmas :.
- Advent Wreath Socks and Nativity Socks from Socks Religious – 20% OFF with code BFCM2020 (ends 11/30 – discount will appear in checkout, code shouldn’t be needed)
- Traditional Advent Calendar – This is so gorgeous and as of last night is now available to Download and Print for this Advent!
- Premium Advent Calendar
- The Grumpy Old Ox and A Child’s Christmas ABC Book: Angels in the Air Arrayed
- Nativity Icon from Clear Creek Abbey
- Catholic Christmas Cartoons
- Christ Child Bells from Pinecone Leather Co.
- Nativity Candle and Fontanini 2020 Ornament
- The Vatican Christmas Cookbook
.: Advent and Christmas Music :.
** Some of these have unlimited free streaming included with Prime on Amazon! **
- Legends of St. Nicholas
- Adventus
- Advent at Ephesus
- Catholic Christmas Classics
- Catholic Songs for Children – includes: Gather Round the Crib at Christmas and The Best Christmas Present of All
- Christmas at Ephesus
- Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring: Christmas with The Dominican Sisters of Mary
- Christmas in Harvard Square
- Caroling at Ephesus
.: Feast of St. Nicholas :.
- St. Nicholas Statue
- St. Nicholas Block from Almond Rod Toys and Saint Nicholas Cookie Stamp from Rycraft
- Kids St. Nicholas Socks and Adult St. Nicholas Socks from Sock Religious
- St. Nicholas and the Nine Gold Coins – Review can be found here.
- St. Nicholas Chocolate Coins (Here is my FREE document for this new updated version! You can find my original St. Nicholas Chocolate Coins in the archives.)
- Drinking with St. Nick: Christmas Cocktails for Sinners and Saints from the author of Drinking with the Saints: The Sinner’s Guide to a Holy Happy Hour
- St. Nicholas Prayer for Children Print
- The Man Who Was Really Santa Claus
- St. Nick’s Goat Milk Soap from The Cloister Shoppe
.: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe :.
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Roses Art Print
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Candle from Clear Creek Abbey
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Rosary
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Socks from Sock Religious
- December Saints from Almond Rod Toys
- Our Lady of Guadalupe: The Graphic Novel
- Cloak of Roses – Our Lady of Guadalupe from Regina Martryum Productions
- Marian Grotto Our Lady of Guadalupe Kit
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Muslin Swaddle
We also love the Our Lady of Guadalupe Puzzle, if you can find it,
and we usually celebrate with an Our Lady of Guadalupe Brunch or Dinner!
.: Santa Lucia Day :.
- Santa Lucia Fairy Ornament
- Lucia Morning in Sweden
- Sleepytime Saints: A to Z – and a matching Santa Lucia Doll from Marzipantz!
- Portraits of Saints Holy Card
- Lighted Porcelain Santa Lucia Statue
- Lucia Crown (5 Candle version… Ours is Seven Candles) for Real Candles
- Dala Pajamas from Hanna Andersson – I don’t love these nearly as much as the St. Lucia version a few years ago, but they are still pretty cute!
- Lucia Saint of Light
- St. Lucy Block from Almond Rod Toys
Bonus: Here is a Santa Lucia Wooden Peg Doll Kit for those who would like to paint their own!
.: Christmas Puzzles :.
Our family loves putting together puzzles during Advent and Christmas.
Here are some puzzles that are currently available to purchase:
- Nativity Snow Globes Puzzle (1000 Piece)
- Over the River Puzzle (1000 Piece)
- Stained Glass Holy Night Jigsaw Puzzle
- Harbor Side Carolers (1000 Piece)
- Christmas Parade (1000 Piece)
- Forest Nativity Shaped Jigsaw Puzzle
- Main Street Carolers (1000 Piece)
- Neighborhood Nativity Jigsaw Puzzle (1000 Piece)
- Peaceful Night (550 Piece)
- Christkindlmarkt (1000 Piece)
These are some of the nativity sets our family has collected over the years. We have Fisher Price, Playmobil and Shining Light Doll Nativities too, and the Nativity Fabric Advent Calendar, but I especially love our wooden versions! I also love our Schleich Nativity but it’s hard to find, same with A Child Is Born, Three Kings, and Shepherds and Sheep from Naturally Catholic. It looks like Safari is now making a Nativity Toob.
- Kurt Adler Wooden Nativity Advent Calendar with 24 Magnetic Figures
- Joseph Walking and Mary on the Donkey
- Jesus, Mary and Joseph Pillar Candle from Holy Face Shop
- Fontanini Holy Family
- Nativity Tea Light Candle Lantern
- Ostheimer Nativity Set Full Size – This was a gift a couple years ago and we’ve been adding to the collection. Available from Bella Luna.
- Childrens Nativity Blocks Starter Set and Deluxe Wooden Nativity Set from Almond Rod Toy
- Wooden Nativity from Armadillo Dreams
- Wish List: Nativity Schwibbogen with Electric Lights
Once again our children helped again with this year’s “Christmas Gift Ideas” post. I had them each list nine gift ideas for me to share with you all. Most are things they own with some wishes thrown in too.
Here are their answers:
Please note: In addition to their stockings, our children usually unwrap three gifts from my husband and I on Christmas morning – something they need, something they want, and one other gift which is usually faith based. We draw names on the first Sunday of Advent for Christkindl and end with a family Christkindl gift exchange. It’s always the first thing they want to do after our morning prayers (or morning Mass if we didn’t make it to the Midnight Mass) on Christmas Day! They also receive a stack of books either on Epiphany. The gifts listed below have been received over a number of different years/occasions.
.: Captain’s Picks – Age 20 :.
- Gift cards for food – Dominos, Dunkin’ Donuts, etc
- Snack Food (gift card or actual food)
- Fun sweaters or t-shirts. Maybe some dress shirts (to go with the ties) *Sasquatch Spotted is a favorite tie, so is his Irish Flag Tie. This year I think I might get him this t-shirt and this tie.*
- Paddle Board and other outdoor stuff (like the hammock) *He also loves his Hey Dude Loafers!*
- Laptop
- In Sinu Jesus: When Heart Speaks to Heart — The Journal of a Priest at Prayer
- Some fun activity thing that’ll be a life skill – Scuba Diving
- AirPods *He loves his Noise Canceling Headphones too*
- Some sanity (loving support and time with family) [the doctor is in Charlie Brown]
.: Ranger’s Picks – Age 18 :.
- Sports Gear and Merchandise – Pickelball Ball, Soccer Cleats, Soccer Balls, Practice Jerseys, Hats, T-shirts, etc
- Less Than a Minute to Go: The Secret to World-Class Performance in Sport, Business and Everyday Life
- Spikeball – A gift from a couple years ago and so fun!
- Leather Messenger Bag
- Bow Ties and Dress Shoes – These are his favorite loafers.
- Nike Sports Duffle Bag
- Ukulele *He doesn’t have his own, but loves learning to play at college!*
- Bose Bluetooth Speaker
- Cool Socks from Sock Religious
.: Twinkle Toes’ Picks – Age 17 :.
- Ticket to Ride Europe
- Mother Teresa Mug – Do Good Anyway
- Midway (DVD)
- Slipper Socks
- Rose Gold MacBook Air
- Paddle Board (We bought two at Costco last summer at a huge discount! So much fun!)
- American Saints T-Shirt from Little Way Design Co
- The Shadow of the Bear, Black as Night and Waking Rose by Regina Doman
- Folded Trappers Slippers from Minnetonka
.: Chiquita’s Picks – Age 15 :.
- Catholic Hoodies for when she’s out using her Genesis Archery Bow and Arrows (She received her bow in 2016 and it’s still a favorite… New arrows are always on her wishlist!)
- Ranger’s Apprentice Series by John Flanagan (She’s reading through her older brothers set!)
- Ticket to Ride
- Wish List: LEGO Bookshop (It would be a pretty cool addition to their LEGO town play.)
- JessaKae Dresses – So many of you wanted to know where we found her Confirmation Dress. JessaKae is our go to for beautiful dresses for our girls now that they can wear Women’s Small.
- Denim A Line Skirt
- St. Philomena Necklace
- Technically a diaper bag… but she loves her Platinum Mini Classic Bag from Freshly Picked
- Sacred Heart Rosary from Come Holy Spirit
- Who’s Your Hero Catholic T-Shirt
.: Snuggles’ Picks – Age 13 :.
- Escape from Colditz: 75th Anniversary Edition
- St. Joseph Socks and St. Michael Socks from Socks Religious
- Saint Michael Above the 38th Parallel
- LEGO Creator Sets and City Sets (One favorite from the past is his LEGO City Police Station.)
- Tippman Cronus Paintball Gun Set
- St. Michael Rosary from Come Holy Spirit Rosaries
- Dunkirk (DVD)
- Tenzing Rambler Backpack
- Rollerblades Spitfire XT (Still a favorite after two years!)
.: Rose’s Picks – Age 10 :.
- Fashion Plates Deluxe Kit with add ons
- Sleeping Queens – She doesn’t have her own, but loves playing it with a friend!
- Little Therese: The Life of St. Therese of Lisieux For Children
- Sterling Silver St. Therese Necklace
- LEGO Winter Village sets – She doesn’t have her own (yet… shhh! I pre-ordered this year’s addition for her!) but loves playing with her sisters!
- Madeline Dress, Cape and Hat from Cat and Mouse Clothing
- Radiant Writers Glitter Gel Pens
- Saint Cards Base Set – Looking forward to adding on more of this great game!
- Rollerblade Spitfire XT Girl’s Adjustable Fitness Inline Skate (repeat from last year still a favorite!)
.: Bud’s Picks – Age 8 :.
In addition to our collection of Lincoln Logs, Playmobil, Thomas Wooden Railway, and LEGO, here are some more specific favorites that Bud loves…
- Playmobil Gladiators and Leopard Family (recent additions to our Historical Playmobil collection!)
- Sushi Go
- Fagus All Purpose Vehicle This Jeep and all the other Fagus Trucks and Tractors are favorites!
- Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales
- Miniature Mass Kit for Children – Each of our boys now has their own brass Mass Kit. Definitely an investment, but I was able to get the last two sets during an amazing clearance sale I ran across awhile back. We also have a Wooden Mass Kit from Almond Roy Toys!
- The Hobbit: Illustrated Edition
- LEGO Pizza Truck (all the Great Vehicles LEGO sets are favorites! My kids especially love any sets that they can turn into jobs/businesses when they are playing together with their LEGO Town.)
- What About Baseball Board Game
- Arctic Fox – Another loved gift from his Godparents along with his Red Fox and River Otter Plush. All of the Wild Republic stuffed animals are great.
.: Grace’s Picks – Age 3 :.
- Jellycat Bashful Unicorn (Medium)
- Dress Up Clothing
- New Gift for 2020: Rattan Casa Clutch in Rose to go with the girls Calico Critters
- Lola Dutch
- 24 Brillant Bee Crayons
- Pride and Prejudice – And many of the other BabyLit Storybooks and Board Books!
- Puppy in Donut Pet Carrier
- Dogs Out Bib – Bella Tunno makes great bibs!
- Wish List: Wellie Wishers Emerson Doll – She has named the other four dolls in the line after her four sisters, and this one she says is her!
.: Joy’s Picks – Age 1 :.
- Swan Rocker – She hated it at first but loves it now!
- Bella Tunno Suction Plates – Such great plates.
- Eloise the Elephant from Cuddle + Kind
- The Rooster Struts Board Book – Hands down her favorite board book.
- Corolle’s 40th Anniversary Leonie Doll – This sweet doll will be one of her gifts this year!
- Cute Dresses like this one from Hanna Andersson
- Versa L’Alto Rosary from Chews Life – She also loves her Vintage Blooms Rosary and Miraculous Medal Pacifier Clip.
- Freshly Picked Sherpa Lined Moccasins – So warm and cozy. Purchased on sale.
- Wheely Bug – We’ve had the large and small cows for years. I’d love to buy her the small Ladybug!
.: Gift Ideas for Catholic Women :.
- Mary Blue and Pearl Earrings
- Shabby Chic Earring Holder
- Glory Rosary Bracelet from Chews Life
- The Whole World Will Love Me – Re-reading this great book right now. A couple other favorites from back when I was a young mother: We and Our Children: How to Make a Catholic Home and Around the Year with the Von Trapp Family from past list.
- Silver Sacred Heart Necklace from Telos Art Shop
- Wish list: Drinking With Your Patron Saints – I rarely drink but still love this series of books! Excited to check out the brand new addition!
- Catholic Aprons from Catholic Cuisine
- Wish list: Holy Family Statue
- Woodland Miraculous Medal Earrings
.: Gift Ideas for Catholic Men :.
- 10 Battles Every Catholic Should Know
- Rugged Combat Rosary WWI Military Replica in Gunmetal
- Deliverance Prayers: For Use by Laity
- The Liturgical Year 15 Volume Set or purchase them individually starting with Book I.
- St. Benedict Two Tone Crucifix
- Sock Religious
- Nothing Superfluous: An Explanation of the Symbolism of the Rite of St. Gregory the Great
- Gift Cards to a Favorite Store
- Saint Benedict Plaque
.: 2021 Catholic Calendars and Planners :.
- 2021 Traditional Latin Mass Calendar from FSSP (Extraordinary Form)
- 2021 Saints Calendar and 16 Month Daily Planner from TAN (Ordinary Form + Extraordinary Form -My husband and I both use this every year!)
- 2021 Catholic Calendar from Saints Galore (Ordinary Form + Extraordinary Form)
- 2021 Mary and the Saints Wall Calendar from TAN (Ordinary Form + Extraordinary Form)
- 2021 Theology of the Home Planner from TAN (Liturgical Calendar Highlights)
- 2021 The Angels Wall Calendar from TAN (Ordinary Form + Extraordinary Form)
- 2021 The Life of Our Lord Wall Calendar from TAN (Ordinary Form + Extraordinary Form)
Here are the links to all of our book lists, our 2020 Advent Book Basket and the list of books our children will receive this year on the feast of St. Nicholas.
.: A Sleighful of Giveaways :.
There will be one winner for each of the following 20 PRIZES with a COMBINED VALUE OF $2,150!!!
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Prize #01 – The Annunciation – Merode Altarpiece (Large Size: 23.25″ x 23.43″) and The Presentation (Small Size: 5″x7″). The plaque mounted image makes for a unique gift, treasured for years to come due to its quality UV protection matte finish and washable surface. The wood plaque measures 3/8″ thick with beveled and finished edges. Sponsored by Cedar & Stars.
This prize package also includes: St. Catherine of Bologna – Youth Tee (S), St. Clare of Assisi – Youth Tee (S), and St. Teresa of Calcutta – Infant Onesie (Size 6 Months) sponsored by Caterina’s Palette (Combined value $208.75)
Congratulations, Jamie Salvucci!
“I never win but I try every year!!! Maybe this is my year!!! 😉 “
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Prize #02 – Original illustration of St. Martha. Sumi ink and watercolor on cotton paper. Around her halo it reads “Sancta Martha ora pro nobis,” and below it says “God lives among the pots and pans” by St. Teresa of Avila, calligraphed in a 9th C. style Uncial script. Sponsored by Pelican Printery House (Red frame not included – value $200.00)
Congratulations Jennifer!
“Thank you again, Jessica. I cannot tell you how many purchases I’ve made as a direct result of your posts like this – most recently a large order to Rycraft. Thank you for your thoughtful posts and heart️.”
“Thank you again, Jessica. I cannot tell you how many purchases I’ve made as a direct result of your posts like this – most recently a large order to Rycraft. Thank you for your thoughtful posts and heart️.”
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Prize #03 – Rosary Blocks sponsored by Almond Rod Toys (value $160.00)
Congratulations Sarah Mason!
“Wow! So many wonderful prizes and ideas. I think I would like the Rosary Blocks from Almond Rod Toys. If not those, then the Saint Cards Game Set. Thanks for the chance to win!”
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Prize #04 – Gorgeous Swarovski crystal rosary with lampwork floral beads and copper finishes (check out some of the other rosaries here), Copper Marian necklace and earring set, a finished Scapular from my Scapular Kit, handmade roses rosary pouch, Sacred & Immaculate Heart Vinyl Stickers and a Marian card sponsored by SaongJai (value $147.50)
Bonus! Use code: ROSARY20 for 20% off + free shipping
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Prize #05 – Special SaintCards Bundle! Includes: SaintCards: Base Game, Deluxe Blue Game Mat, SaintCards: Duel Expansion, and the Brand new Mendicant Orders Expansion w/Purple Game Mat from the new 2020 Collection! Total of: 212 SaintCards, 2 Deluxe Game Mats, 2 Jesus Cards, and 100 Treasures! Sponsored by SaintCards (value $145.00)
Enter Promo Code SHOWEROFROSES at beginning of checkout to SAVE 10%
Congratulations Amanda Toca!
“I would love 5, 6, 10, or 3. Thank you!”
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Prize #06 – Spirit Stretch & Wrap Rosary Bracelet, Classic Rainbow Chews Life Rosary, Chews Life Canvas Zip Pouch, Our Lady of Guadalupe Teether, Emmaus Crib Shoes and Our Lady Undoer of Knots Mini Decade sponsored by Chews Life (value $140.00)
Congratulations Ashley!“
“These are fantastic ideas, I ordered a bunch. Thank you!”
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Prize #07 – One 2021 Quarterly Subscription Box sponsored by Telos Art Shop (value $125.00)
Congratulations Katie!
“This is always one of my favorite posts you do!! Prizes 3,4, and 7 were my favorites! Thanks so much for sharing all of these awesome Catholic companies!”
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Prize #08 – St. Therese Decal, St. Joseph Decal, Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Joan of Arc Decal, St. Philomena Decal, Sacred Heart Set (Image & Prayer), Immaculate Heart Set (Image & Prayer), St. Michael Set (Image & Prayer), Guardian Angel Set (Image & Prayer) sponsored by Devout Decals! (value $114.55)
Congratulations Deborah Connell!
“Love all of these choices, and especially finding some new companies to bookmark for purchases during the year!”
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Prize #09 – Set of 8 Cookie Stamps with Recipe Booklet (Includes: #416 – Snow Star, #463 – Christmas Ornament, #020 – Frosty, #034-18 – Heralding Angels, #023 – Holly Sprig (1), #030 – Christmas Tree, # 368 – Nativity and #271 – Jolly Santa) sponsored by Rycraft Cookie Stamps (value $103.92)
Congratulations Natalia!
“Great prizes! My favorites are 9, 11, 18 and 19.”
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Prize #10 – A Way to Achievement, Catholic Songs for Children CD, Little Children’s Prayer Book, My Picture Book of First Communion, My Picture Book of First Confession, and The Bible Story sponsored by St. Augustine Academy Press (value $113.02)
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Prize #11 – $100 Gift Certificate sponsored by Regina Martyrum Productions (value $100.00)
Congratulations Courtney Brandwein!
“Thank you for sharing your list. So many great ideas!!”
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“Thank you for sharing your list. So many great ideas!!”
Prize #12 – Surrounding our families with inspirational prayer and holy images helps create a foundation of comfort and beauty that will serve them throughout their lives. Prayer Pillowcases make this uniquely possible! To make it easy for you to shower your family with prayerful gifts this Christmas Prayer Pillowcases is giving away a Family Bundle of 4 organic cotton pillowcases! Includes the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts, St. Michael, St. Francis and Our Lady of Grace Hail Mary. (value $99.80)
Pssst! Prayer Pillowcases is also offering a special promotion for my readers for 20% off!
Shop prayerpillowcases.com with coupon Roses2020 for wonderful gifts and great savings!
(Coupon expires Dec. 5th.)
Congratulations Dee!
“They are all great prizes! My favorites are #4, #10, #12, #13, #19, and #20.”
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Prize #13 – Saint Therese Bangle Bracelet and Necklace (Includes Birthstone and Sterling Silver Initial – winner also has the option to “choose their own saint”) sponsored by Blessings from Heaven 7 (value $64.00)
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Prize #14 – Advent Guide Book and the PDF, a large Christmas Rosary with baby Jesus center, vinyl JMJ sticker set, and my latest printable set of 40 cute saint holy cards PDF plus printed cards pictured too! Sponsored by My Little Patron (value $62.00)
Congratulations Anna!
“Hi! Thank you so very much for hosting this very generous giveaway!! My favorites are #4, #14, #8, #5, and #13, May God and Our Blessed Mother bless you and your family during this holy Advent and always. Thanks again!!”
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Prize #15 – Gift Pack from author Leslea Wahl. This bundle offers all you need to make a fantastic gift for the book enthusiast in your family – whether it’s a boy or a girl! Gift pack includes three signed books for teens – The Perfect Blindside, eXtreme Bindside, and Gifts: Visible and Invisible. Other items included: a journal with magnetic bookmarks, a Guardian Angel necklace, a Jerusalem Crusaders cross bracelet, a scripture verse magnet, and a scented handmade soap. (value $60.00)
Congratulations Jodi!
“Thank you for hosting the giveaway, and thank you to the generous individuals and companies donating the wonderful prize packages! My favorites are #4, 7, 5, 3, 9, 15.”
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Prize #16 – St. Jacinta Marto Box sponsored Saints Around the World (value $55.00)
Congratulations Elizabeth!
“Your ideas are wonderful. Thank you for blessing our family with your creativity and generosity each year!”
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Prize #17 – Digital downloads of Learning the 10 Commandments with Billy the puppet, Folktales of Saint Nicholas with Billy the puppet, Saint Stories with Billy the puppet Set #1, and Preparing for your First Communion with Billy the puppet sponsored by Faith & Puppets (value $52.00)
Congratulations Tami Carver!
“All of it is amazing!! Thank you for your gift list!”
“All of it is amazing!! Thank you for your gift list!”
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Prize #18 – $50 Gift Certificate sponsored by Regina Martyrum Productions (value $50.00 – Bonus: two winners!)
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Prize #19 – Gift basket sponsored by author Sandralena Hanley includes: “Copy of my book, Champion of Valdeor; Rafael’s Mother and Child painting brought from Florence, Italy; holy water font of Crown of Thorns; Scenes from Heaven coloring book; The Other Wiseman illustrated picture book; and Celtic Fairy-tales.” (value $50.00)
Congratulations Candice!
“I would love any of the prizes.”
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Prize #20 – Pink Rose Rosary (Handmade Painted Ceramic 8mm) from The Rose Picker (value $50.00)
Congratulations Kristina!
“So many awesome giveaways! I hope y’all have a blessed Advent!”
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Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter box below:
(Lots of options for bonus entries can be earned by visiting the sponsors!)
Here are the links to all of our book lists, our 2020 Advent Book Basket and the list of books our children will receive this year on the feast of St. Nicholas.
(Hoping to post an updated Advent post soon!)
Our 2020 Advent Book Basket and Printable Labels {Plus Giveaway!}
Advent begins this upcoming Sunday!
The length of Advent always varies from 22-28 days, beginning with the Sunday nearest to the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle (November 30th) and embracing four Sundays. The first day of Advent can fall as early as November 27th or as late as December 3rd. This year Advent begins on Sunday, November 29th.
Every Advent our family counts down the days until Christmas with picture books, Advent Calendars, and the Jesse Tree. Years ago, when we didn’t have enough Christmas themed picture books to wrap one for each day of Advent, I would check some Christmas books out from the library just before Advent began, using Christmas Mosaic as a guide. We have added many books to our home library since then, giving one Christmas themed book to each of our children on the feast of St. Nicholas, and our collection has definitely grown. (You can find this year’s St. Nick books here!)
I currently keep all of our Christmas picture books on the bottom two shelves of a corner bookshelf upstairs in our school room… In the past I have filled our Advent basket with Christmas Mosaic titles and our children’s 35 Favorite Christmas Picture Books. One year I picked twenty-six of MY favorites (although I still find new favorites to add to my list each year!) and one year I left the choosing up to my husband and our oldest daughter. We’ve had great lists the last few years too: 2017, 2018 and 2019.
This year I branched out a bit from the usual and decided to include some other excellent Catholic books that I really wanted to pull off the shelf and read to my children this Advent. Here is the list:
Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
November 29 – 1st Sunday of Advent: The Wonder Story – set up Advent Calendars and Jesse Tree
November 30 – Feast of St. Andrew: Old Testament Rhymes
December 3: The Miracle of St. Nicholas
December 4 – First Friday: In the Candles Glow
December 5 – First Saturday: The Baker’s Dozen – write letters to Christ Child/Saint Nicholas, bake Speculaas or St. Nicholas Cookies, and decorate St. Nicholas Chocolate Coins to give to others
December 6 – 2nd Sunday of Advent – Feast of St. Nicholas: St. Nicholas and the Nine Gold Coins – St. Nicholas Brunch
December 7 – Feast of St. Ambrose: The Attic Saint – Bake a Honeycomb Cake
December 8 – Immaculate Conception: Nikola and the Monk – Decorate Christ Candle
December 9 – Feast of St. Juan Diego: Our Lady of Guadalupe (Pop-Up Book)
December 10: Kristoph and the First Christmas Tree
December 11: The Christmas Cobwebs
December 12 – Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe: Bambinelli Sunday – Las Mananitas/Holy Mass at Dawn, Our Lady of Guadalupe Brunch, Prepare for Santa Lucia Day
December 13 – 3rd Sunday of Advent/Gaudete Sunday and Feast of St. Lucy: Lucia Saint of Light
December 14: Saint Francis Celebrates Christmas
December 16 – Ember Wednesday: Catholic Nursery Rhymes
December 17 – O Sapientia: An Alphabet of the Altar And Other Holies
December 18 – O Adonai and Ember Friday: A Child’s Rule of Life
December 19 – O Radix Jesse and Ember Saturday: Marta and the Manger Straw
December 20 – 4th Sunday of Advent – O Clavis David: Silent Night: The wonderful story of the beloved Christmas carol
December 21 – O Oriens and Winter Solstice: The Angels’ Alphabet
December 22 – O Rex Gentium: Twas’ the Evening of Christmas
December 23 – O Emmanuel: The First Christmas
December 24 – Vigil of Christmas: The Wonder Days
About five or six years ago I switched to brown paper along with purple and pink ribbon, instead of the original purple and pink wrapping paper I would use years ago… Sometimes I use brown paper bags and sometimes I pick up a roll of brown craft paper from the craft store to use along with the ribbons I reuse every year and our homemade labels!
As always, we’ll unwrap and read one book each night during Advent, following our family rosary. The rest of our book collection will be placed in additional baskets to read during the seasons of Advent and Christmas.
If you’d like to use my little labels too, you can download my Advent Book Basket Labels for 2020 over at Dropbox.
.: ADVENT BOOK BASKET GIVEAWAY :.
Prize #1: Premium Fabric Felt Advent Calendar (value $34.95)
**I’ll share a few more pictures of this Advent Calendar soon, and how I’m planning to use it this year!**
Congratulations, Nicole Ernest!
“Great list and ideas! Thank you!”
Prize #2: Three BRAND NEW books from Ignatius Press!
and The Adventures of Loupio, Volume 5: The Cave (value $33.97)
Congratulations, Tonia!
“Thank you for all of the great inspiration to form our children in thier faith.”
Enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter box below
For additional Christmas book suggestions you can find some of our lists in the archives:
You can find the rest of our booklists here.
P.S. There is still time to enter the St. Nicholas Giveaway!
A Child’s Christmas ABC Book
“And there shall come forth a rod out of the root of Jesse, and a flower shall rise up out of his root.” – Isaiah 11:1
One of the books we choose as a gift for our children this year is the brand new release from TAN. I asked my husband to write a short review (not sponsored) to share with you all, along with some additional pictures I took, while I keep working on pulling together this year’s Christmas Gift Guide and our annual Advent Giveaways. Thank you, Sean!
Paul Thigpen and John Folley team up in 2020 to deliver a new, artistic, and meaningful Christmas book for children! The theme is an ABC Book as many parents have seen, except this one captures the events of the Incarnation in a smooth, easy to read storyline. From A to Z we follow the Holy Family and the Magi in short rhyming verses and ponder the illustrations. Some of the artwork includes inquisitive Christian symbolism providing opportunities for reflection to both children and adult readers. “A Child’s Christmas ABC Book” is another meaningful way to enrich you and your child’s appreciation of the Incarnation this Christmas.
New Christmas Books for the Feast of St. Nicholas {and a St. Nicholas Giveaway!}
“The giver of every good and perfect gift has called upon us to mimic God’s giving, by grace, through faith, and this is not of ourselves.” – St. Nicholas of Myra
The feast of St. Nicholas is just three weeks from today! On December 6th our children always wake up to find that the letters they wrote to the Holy Child and/or St. Nicholas have been taken and their (sometimes new/replaced) slippers have been filled with little treats, oranges, chocolate gold coins, candy canes, and often times a note from St. Nicholas.
Our children (and teens!) have also always received a new Christmas book as well, which has helped us build an amazing collection over the last twenty years. It will be so great to pass each of their collections down to them when they eventually start families of their own.
The darling wooden St. Nicholas toys in the pictures are from Naturally Catholic and Almond Rod Toys.
Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This year my husband and I picked out a chapter book as well for each of our teens/young adults as well. I can’t even tell you how excited I am that we get to have ALL NINE of our children home for ALL of Advent this year for the first time! I’m trying my best to focus on the little blessings in the midst of all the extra struggles of this crazy year…
From left to right for our five eldest in order:
Here is the list of books we picked out for our children this year:
For Captain:
“On the 1st day o Yuletide,
My true luve gied tae me,
A reid robin in a rowan tree.”
Take a deep breath and prepare for a journey through all twelve days of Yuletide with a cast of skaters skooshin, lassies birlin, sheep a-shooglin and the all-important five gowden rings.
The stunningly beautiful illustrations bring this Scots version of the ever-popular Christmas song to life in vivid detail. Inspired by the traditional verse, this adaptation features easy-to-understand (and pronounce) Scots words and creatures, including hoolets (owls) and bonnie doos (beautiful doves).
For Ranger:
“Radiating the wondrous spirit of the season, The Spider Who Saved Christmas rekindles an ancient legend, casting new light on the story we thought we knew. Created by New York Times Bestselling Author Raymond Arroyo (with illustrations by Randy Gallegos), The Spider Who Saved Christmas spins the enchanting faith-filled tale of Nephila, a cave-dwelling spider who plays a pivotal role central to the Christmas story. This instant classic reveals the origin of Christmas tinsel and reminds us that hope can always be found even in dark places where we least expect it.”
Note: My husband was a little hesitant over the illustrations in this book. He thought they were a little dark/scary for our younger children, but it’s an excellent story about a traditional legend and we love supporting Catholic authors and publishers, so one of our older boys will be receiving this book!
For Twinkle Toes:
(OOP – purchased second hand)
“A Perfect Christmas reclaims the spirit of Christmas from the commercial secularized culture of the winter holidays that has almost obliterated the Christian meaning of the celebration of the birth of Christ. Author Dennis Eugene Engleman and illustrator Niko Chocheli have collaborated to restore St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) to his rightful place in the imagination of children, and perhaps their parents too! In this mystical and beautiful story, told in the classic manner of an Orthodox Russian folk tale, past and present collide as a modern child meets the real St.Nick. At the heart of this wonderful contemporary Christmas parable is a tale of compassion, shared love and family with a little of the real Saint Nicholas’ life woven in, just enough to whet the appetite of the reader for more! The pages of A Perfect Christmas glow with the warmth of a bygone era when Christmas was filled with the mystery of the Incarnation, simple shared love, and grace.”
For Chiquita:
“The wonder of Christmas and the magic of learning the ABC’s are beautifully combined in this lavishly illustrated new title from author/illustrator team Paul Thigpen and John Folley. In A Child’s Christmas ABC Book, Thigpen’s engaging verse about the birth of Jesus will delight young ears with its musical rhymes and alliteration. Folley’s enchanting illustrations, rooted deeply in traditional sacred art, are sure to charm young and old alike.
From “Angels in the air arrayed” to “Zion’s king forevermore,” you and your child can explore the Nativity story from A to Z. The lovely artistry of this book’s words and images will make it a Christmas family favorite for generations to come.day season: how important it is to be surrounded by love.”
I think this is my favorite of all the new books I purchased this year.
I’ll try and share additional pictures soon!
For Snuggles:
“Inspired by the famous Christmas poem, “The Night Before Christmas,” this picture book about Christmas in the Army is perfect for children of military families and anyone with loved ones serving overseas.
Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the base
Only sentries were stirring — they guarded the place.
The soldiers were sleeping and snoring away
As they dreamed of ‘back home’ on good Christmas Day…
One Christmas Eve at a military barracks in the Middle East, some homesick soldiers are paid a visit by Sergeant McClaus, the Santa of Soldiers. This lively and poignant tale is inspired by Clement C. Moore’s classic yuletide poem.”
For Rose:
“This new children’s Christmas book by bestselling author Anthony DeStefano tells the story of a mean-spirited, prideful old ox who has lost his sight both physically and spiritually but who nevertheless experiences the transformative power of God s grace after he is present at the birth of Jesus Christ in a humble stable in Bethlehem.
Illustrated by New York Times best-selling artist Richard Cowdrey, this new holiday book teaches children the true meaning of Christmas while explaining the central message of Christianity: that faith in Jesus leads us to resurrection and new life.”
For Bud:
“No gift is too small for Jesus when it is given with humility and love.
Joel is seven years old and is the son of the Kings’ stableman. With his Dad, he is traveling with the Magi as they follow the star to Bethlehem, to meet the newborn King. All of them are bringing very special gifts, such as gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But Joel is the only one in the caravan who isn’t carrying a gift for the new King. Since he knows how to whittle wood, Joel decides to carve a little camel for the baby. Soon he discovers that his humble gift is more special than all the others.”
For Grace:
Little flaps for little fingers!
“Telling the Christmas story to children for the first time ever is a privilege for parents and a gift to children. Where Is the Baby King?, the new hardcover book from Heather Henning and Alison Atkins, helps parents and teachers pass on this timeless story to their children and students with the help of bright illustrations and lift-the-flap images. This interactive book is an ideal introduction for children under five; colorful illustrations by Alison Atkins grab children’s attention, while Heather Henning’s storytelling is clear, simple, and memorable. Very young children will enjoy lifting the flaps and discovering new parts of the story, and as they grow older, they will grow in their understanding of the story behind the pictures. Thoughtfully laid out, concise, and durable, this book transforms an important educational moment into a hands-on adventure. Whether a child is hearing the Christmas story for the first time or just learning to read on their own, Where Is the Baby King? will help bring this story to life.”
For Joy:
“Share the story of the first Christmas with your little one! A classic story of The First Chrismas travels along with Mary and Joseph to the town of Bethlehem where baby Jesus is born. A simple story engages toddlers with lift-a-flap pages where they can learn and enjoy the traditional telling of Jesus’s birth and the meaning of Christmas.
Share the story of The First Christmas with your little one with this Lift-a-Pop board book
Perfectly sized for little hands and fingers to open and close the flaps
Chunky, sturdy flaps are extra strong so your little one can open and close the durable pop-outs repeatedly
Surprise and delight your baby or toddler with this charming story featuring classic artwork and surprises under each flap
Simple story as a first retelling to introduce the birth of Christ”
.: Giveaway :.
Once again this year I will be hosting FOUR Advent and Christmas themed giveaways! Here is the first giveaway in preparation for the feast of St. Nicholas:
Prize #1 – Set of Five Cookie Stamps with Recipe Booklet
(Includes: #001 – Santa Claus, #031- Noel Stocking, #317 – Old St Nick, #357 -Santa on the Rooftop, and #413 – St Nicholas)
sponsored by Rycraft Cookie Stamps (combined value $64.95)
Congratulations, Janelle!
“Thanks for all the gift and book ideas. You’ve done it again! “
Prize #2 – Collection of Martyr Stories for Teens and Children
For Teens:
Saint Magnus the Last Viking: Saint Magnus of Orkney
For Children:
The Forgotten Christmas Saint: Saint Anastasia
Animals of God Volume 2 (includes a story of St. Thecla)
Saint Philomena Powerful Love Coloring Book
sponsored by author Susan Peek (value $61.00)
Congratulations, Laura Casey!
“What a fun give away! I would love the collection of martyr stories for my kiddos. Great book recommendations, too! Thank you!”
Prize #3 – St. Lucy Special Edition Box
“A new Special Edition box for Christmas featuring St. Lucy. It has a gorgeous book on this popular saint, a beautiful statue and mug from “Little Drops of Water” and a chance to roll 100% beeswax candles! Fun and faith all inside with $4 donated to “Culture of Life Studies” from each box. Order by November 20th as quantities are very limited. Other surprises will be discovered in this box!”
sponsored by Saints Around the World (value $58.00)
Congratulations, Lymari Pate!
“Have a Merry and Blessed Christmas!”
Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter box below:
You are welcome to download my St. Nicholas labels over at Dropbox with either Black or Green text…
And here is the link to my original St. Nicholas Chocolate Coins and the updated version I created last year!
And here is the link to my original St. Nicholas Chocolate Coins and the updated version I created last year!
(You can find another option, an adaptation this original idea of mine, over at St. Nicholas Center.
I also just made an updated printable for this year which I will try and share soon!)
For additional Christmas book suggestions you can find some of our lists in the archives:
Saint Nicholas & the Nine Gold Coins {Beautiful book!}
Christmas Mosaic: A Review & Featured Book List
35 Favorite Christmas Picture Books for Children
Feasts & Seasons :: Advent & Christmas Collection
Our 2015 Advent Book Basket and Printable Labels
Our 2016 Advent Book Basket and Printable Labels
Our 2017 Advent Book Basket and Printable Labels
Our 2018 Advent Book Basket and Printable Labels
Our 2019 Advent Book Basket and Printable Labels
{I’m planning to share our 2020 Basket and Labels soon!}
New Christmas Books for the Feast of St. Nicholas:
2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
{I’m planning to share our 2020 Basket and Labels soon!}
New Christmas Books for the Feast of St. Nicholas:
2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
Stacks of Books on Christmas Morning or Epiphany:
2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Soldier of Christ: The Sacrament of Confirmation
This weekend, on November 14, 2020, our 15 year old daughter (along with over 50 other teens from our parish) was Confirmed in the Extraordinary Form by her uncle who had been delegated and given facilities by the bishop! That makes four sacraments now (Baptism, First Confession, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation) that she has received from her uncles!
Three years ago, when our eldest three were Confirmed, we had hoped and prayed that someday our other children would also be able to also receive this final sacrament of initiation in the ancient rite and we are so very grateful to now be parishioners here at St. Joan of Arc. God is good!
A quick picture on our way to the church, wearing her beautiful white dress and the St. Philomena necklace her Dad and I had purchased for her. St. Philomena, pray for us!
We weren’t allowed to take pictures during the Confirmations. There was a photographer though so we are looking forward to seeing those pictures! Holy Mass followed the Confirmations.
Afterwards I went looking for her, to congratulate her, give her a hug, and try and take a picture of her with her dear sponsor… I found her in the corner of the church praying. She has such a beautiful soul. Please offer a prayer for her and for all these great young Catholics!
In addition to the necklace, we also gave her a painting of St. Philomena and a Sacred Heart Rosary from Come Holy Spirit Rosaries. She also received a lovely bracelet from her sponsor and a necklace (pictured below) handmade with her favorite colors by my sweet and generous friend Aleesa.
I didn’t have time or energy to bake a cake, but I did make a topper for her cheesecake!
O Heavenly Spirit! Third Person of the adorable Trinity! Whom I have received and most fervently adore, deign to take eternal possession of my soul; create and maintain therein the purity and sanctity which become Thy temple. O Spirit of Wisdom: preside over all my thoughts, words, and actions, from this hour to the moment of my death. Spirit of Understanding! Enlighten and teach me. Spirit of Counsel! Direct my youth and inexperience. Spirit of Fortitude! Strengthen my weakness. Spirit of Knowledge! Instruct my ignorance. Spirit of Piety! Make me fervent in good works. Spirit of Fear! Restrain me from all evil. Amen.
St. Philomena, ora pro nobis!
Celebrating the Saints :: Our 2020 Costumes
 |
| St. Helena, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Anges + Lamb, St. Rose of Lima, St, Michael the Archangel |
I’ve been meaning to share this pictures from All Hallows’ Eve here on the blog and finally had a few moments to finish up the post. I took them as we were leaving the house to head over to our parish’s All Hallows’ Eve/All Saints Party. It was such a fun evening for all! More pictures coming soon…
.: St. Anges + Lamb :.
Twinkle Toes (age 17) and Joy (age 1) as St. Agnes + Lamb 🐑
White Dress from Amazon, Blue Scarf, White Lilies and Rose Crown from the costume box
Lamb Costume from Pottery Barn, Leggings from Gap Factory, Shearling Mocs from Freshly Picked
“The Early Church rightly venerated young Agnes for her valor, her virginity and her boldness. Agnus is the Latin word meaning “lamb, sheep.” Her sacrifice as a young “lamb” and the holiness of the Lamb of God for whom she died resonated. She is frequently pictured and sculpted with a little lamb in her arms or by her feet.”
.: St. Teresa of Avila :.
Chiquita (age 15) as St. Teresa of Avila 🕊❤️🏹📖
Carmelite Habit from Our Coats of Many Colors. I ordered it (and a Dominican Habit for our 3 year old) at the end of August just before they lost their warehouse and all inventory due to a fire! I’ve been ordering costumes from them for over ten years, praying for them and hope they rebuild their business…
She came up with the rest with things from the costume box or around the house.
St. Teresa of Avila’s heart was physically pierced by an arrow of God’s love! After exhuming her body, they discovered a puncture wound in her heart. Read the description from her autobiography:
“Our Lord was pleased that I should have at times a vision of this kind: I saw an angel close by me, on my left side, in bodily form. This I am not accustomed to see, unless very rarely. Though I have visions of angels frequently, yet I see them only by an intellectual vision, such as I have spoken of before. It was our Lord’s will that in this vision I should see the angel in this wise. He was not large, but small of stature, and most beautiful—his face burning, as if he were one of the highest angels, who seem to be all of fire: they must be those whom we call cherubim. Their names they never tell me; but I see very well that there is in heaven so great a difference between one angel and another, and between these and the others, that I cannot explain it.
I saw in his hand a long spear of gold, and at the iron’s point there seemed to be a little fire. He appeared to me to be thrusting it at times into my heart and to pierce my very entrails; when he drew it out, he seemed to draw them out also, and to leave me all on fire with a great love of God. The pain was so great, that it made me moan; and yet so surpassing was the sweetness of this excessive pain, that I could not wish to be rid of it. The soul is satisfied now with nothing less than God. The pain is not bodily, but spiritual; though the body has its share in it, even a large one. It is a caressing of love so sweet which now takes place between the soul and God, that I pray God of His goodness to make him experience it who may think that I am lying.”
.: St. Michael the Archangel :.
Above the 38th Parallel
Snuggles (age 13) as St. Michael Above the 38th Parallel
St. Michael the Archangel ⚔️ Defend us in battle; be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into Hell, Satan and all the other evil spirits, who wander throughout the world, seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Have you read Michael’s Letter or heard the story of St. Michael Above the 38th Parallel?
It’s so great and what inspired his costume this year.
.: St. Helena :.
Rose (10) as St. Helena
Costume: Crimson Princess Costume in Large, with a wood cross made by her Dad
“She worshiped not the wood, but the King, him who hung on the wood. She burned with an earnest desire of touching the guarantee of immortality.” – St. Ambrose about St. Helena discovering the true cross
.: St. Maximilian Kolbe :.
Bud (age 8) as St. Maximilian Kolbe
He was so excited to reuse his eldest brother’s costume from 2013… Amazingly the blue tape is still sticking to the shirt! He also asked me to help him print out the quote shown on the icon/Confirmation gift in the older boys’ bedroom. It all came together!
“Modern times are dominated by Satan and will be more so in the future. The conflict with hell cannot be engaged by men, even the most clever. The Immaculata alone has from God the promise of victory over Satan. However, assumed into Heaven, the Mother of God now requires our cooperation. She seeks souls who will consecrate themselves entirely to her, who will become in her hands effective instruments for the defeat of Satan and the spreading of God’s kingdom upon earth.” – St. Maximilian Kolbe
.: St. Rose of Lima :.
Grace (age 3) as St. Rose of Lima
Apart from the cross, there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven.” – St. Rose of Lima 💗
“You cannot be half a saint; you must be a whole saint or no saint at all.”
– St. Therese of Lisieux
Sleepytime Saints A to Z
Have you seen the new A-Z picture book over at Marzipantz?
Hardcover Editions of this book are only available to pre-order till tomorrow, November 11, 2020!
(I was provided with this softcover review copy to share with you all.)
It’s no secret that I LOVE the sweet dolls that Marcy creates, I’ve shared them in some of last year’s gift guides for Christmas and St. Nicholas Day, and have been able to snag some of them for myself my children, but they always sell out so quickly and she hasn’t offered custom orders for awhile now… Right now EVERY ORDER that is placed for a copy of this book will be entered into a drawing for a chance to order one of four CUSTOM dolls! Pick me, pick me, pick me!
Ave, Ave, Ave Maria!
Hail, Refuge of sinners! Hail, Star of the Sea!
Hail, Queen of Creation! Our hope is in thee.
All hail, Virgin Mary! This Star guides our way,
our country’s Protectress, America’s Way!
“Whether the world has war or peace depends on the practice of this devotion, along with the consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. This is why I desire its propagation so ardently, especially because this is also the will of our dear Mother in Heaven.” -Sr. Lucy (March 19, 1939)
In his sermon during Mass, Father explained the devotion and how each of the five Saturdays are acts of reparation for the five ways that people offend and blaspheme against the Immaculate Heart of Mary. You can more about it here: https://www.bluearmy.com/first-saturday-devotion/
Saint-O-Lanterns
On Friday night, while Sean and I enjoyed a lovely night out at our favorite Italian restaurant, our teens babysat and carved pumpkins with their younger siblings. This year’s Saint-O-Lanterns are repeats from past years, but they wanted to go with a patriotic and pro-life theme with the presidential elections happening now. Pray for our country!
.: Our 2020 Saint-O-Lanterns :.
God Bless America
+ + + + + + +
Unborn Baby – Defend and Protect Life
+ + + + + + +
Prayer at Valley Forge
+ + + + + + +
+ + + + + + +
Almighty and Eternal God, King of Kings and Lord of Lords: graciously turn your gaze to us who invoke You with confidence.
Bless us, citizens of the United States of America; grant peace and prosperity to our Nation; illuminate those who govern us so that they may commit themselves to the common good, in respect for Your holy Law.
Protect those who, defending the inviolable principles of the Natural Law and Your Commandments, must face the repeated assaults of the Enemy of the human race.
Keep in the hearts of Your children courage for the truth, love for virtue and perseverance in the midst of trials.
Make our families grow in the example that Our Lord has given us, together with His Most Holy Mother and Saint Joseph in the home of Nazareth; give to our fathers and mothers the gift of Strength, to educate wisely the children with which you have blessed them.
Give courage to those who, in spiritual combat, fight the good fight as soldiers of Christ against the furious forces of the children of darkness.
Keep each one of us, O Lord, in your Most Sacred Heart, and above all him whom Your Providence has placed at the head of our Nation.
Bless the President of the United States of America, so that aware of his responsibility and his duties, he may be a knight of justice, a defender of the oppressed, a firm bulwark against Your enemies, and a proud supporter of the children of light.
Place the United States of America and the whole world under the mantle of the Queen of Victories, our Unconquered Leader in battle, the Immaculate Conception. It is thanks to her, and through your Mercy, that the hymn of praise rises to you, O Lord, from the children whom you have redeemed in the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
– written by Archbishop Viganò
To see more Saint-O-Lanterns scroll through
All Saints Guessing Jars
I know it’s last minute, but I wanted to quickly share the 18 NEW All Saints Guessing Jars and Labels that I came up with and made for this year! I think that puts it up to about 80 options between these and all the others that can be found in the archives over the years.
Here is the link to all of my FREE All Saints Party Printables!
I have way too much fun trying to connect saints with treats! During my usual grocery shopping trips during October I wander the snacks and candy isles trying to come up with new ideas.
“Are there any saints who would work for Teddy Grahams or Gummy Bears???”
…. google search…. I found three options right away… Perfect!
St. Gall: “The most popular story about St Gall says that once he was travelling in the woods of what is now Switzerland. One evening he was sitting down warming his hands at a fire. A bear emerged from the woods and charged. The holy man rebuked the bear, so awed by his presence it stopped its attack and slunk off to the trees. There it gathered firewood before returning to share the heat of the fire with St Gall. The legend says that for the rest of his days St Gall was followed around by his companion the bear.”
St. Corbinian: (The bear featured on Pope Benedict XVI’s papal coat of arms, known as St. Corbinian’s Bear.) “The bear figures in a legend about St. Corbinian, an 8th-century bishop of Freising, in Bavaria. The story goes that, while Corbinian travelled along a road to Rome, a bear jumped out of a wood and killed Corbinian’s pack-horse. The saintly bishop reprimanded the bear and forced him to carry his pack the rest of the way to Rome. The bear has remained a traditional symbol of the Archdiocese of Munich-Freising, and was featured on Joseph Ratzinger’s episcopal coat of arms as head of that archdiocese, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and finally pope.”
St. Olcese: “Legend says that a bear once killed one of a pair of oxen that were pulling a cart of building materials for St. Olcese. The bear then turned to attack Olcese, but the saint blessed the bear, made the sign of the cross over it, and the animal took the place of the ox it had just killed. The bear and the remaining ox then hauled the materials to the site where Olcese used them to build a church.”
Almond Joy… Yum! Any way to tie those to a saint? How about St. Philip Neri who is the Patron Saint of Joy! “A joyful heart is more easily made perfect than a downcast one.”- St. Philip Neri
I’ve used the Pink & White Flower Cookies for St. Therese The Little Flower, but they also work for St. Rose, Patron of Florists! The Fleur de Sel Caramels that we’ve used for St. Joan of Arc also work for St. Dennis of Paris, Patron of France.
Salt Water Taffy? Perfect for Stella Maris, Our Lady Star of the Sea!
Sometimes I’ll start with a certain saint that I would like to add and read through their symbols and the various things they are patron of and try and come up with an idea that way. One of my daughters will be getting Confirmed in a couple weeks and has chosen St. Philomena. Since she happens to be “Patron Against Sickness” I decided to fill a jar with Vitamin C Pops in her honor!
Rocket Crackers are perfect for St. Joseph of Cupertino, Patron of Astronauts!
Instead of using the animal crackers for St. Francis of Assisi or as “wild beasts” for Sts. Perpetual and Felicity, they are now St. Anthony’s Domestic Animals.
We’ve featured many options for fish in the past… This year it’s St. Zeno of Verona, Protector of Fisherman!
Instead of reusing the Cat Cookies for St. Jerome or St. Gertrude of Nivelles, Patron of Cats, I made up a label featuring St. Mark the Evangelist and The Lion of St. Mark.
Annie’s Bunnies… Any Saints that are linked to bunnies? St. Melangell, Patron of Hares! I love learning about new saints through this fun little challenge to myself! 😉
The Welsh antiquarian Thomas Pennant (1726–1798) related the story of Melangell:
Her legend relates that she was the daughter of an Irish monarch, who had determined to marry her to a nobleman of his court. The princess had vowed celibacy. She fled from her father’s dominions and took refuge in this place, where she lived fifteen years without seeing the face of a man. Brochwel Yscythrog, Prince of Powys, being one day a hare hunting, pursued his game till he came to a great thicket; when he was amazed to find a virgin of surpassing beauty, engaged in deep devotion, with the hare he had been pursuing under her robe, boldly facing the dogs, who retired to a distance howling, notwithstanding all the efforts of the sportsmen to make them seize their prey. Even when the huntsman blew his horn, it stuck to his lips. Brochwel heard her story, and gave to God and her a parcel of lands, to be a sanctuary to all that fled there. He desired her to found an abbey on the spot. She did so, and died abbess at a good old age. She was buried in the neighbouring church, called Pennant, and from, her distinguished by the addition of Melangell. Her hard bed is shown in the cleft of a neighbouring rock. Her tomb was in a little chapel, or oratory, adjoining to the church, and now used as a vestry room. This room is still called ‘Cell-y-bedd’ or the Cell of the Grave. Her reliques as well as her image have been long since removed; but I think the last is still to be seen in the churchyard. The legend is perpetuated by some rude wooden carving of the Saint, with numbers of hares scuttling to her for protection. She properly became their Patroness. They were called ‘Oen Melangell’ (St. Monacella’s Lambs).
This year the Schoolbook Cookies are getting linked to St. Catherine of Alexandria, one of the patrons of Teachers and Students.
When trying to come up with an idea for St. John the Evangelist, I thought that Candy Corn sort of resemble Eagle’s Talons, so I went with that for his jar.
I also added a label for St. Apollonia (not pictured) which would be fun to include filled with ZolliPops The Clean Teeth Lollipop!
A couple of the labels are repeats, but with different items inside. This time I filled the jar for St. Drogo with Espresso Beans, and I included St. Maria, wife of St. Isidore, on the jar filled with Autumn Mix for these patrons of farmers.
Like last year, I also made additional guess pages to go along with each of the jars.
You can download this year’s printable labels here…
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