Uniquely Catholic Advent Traditions (That are Often Forgotten)
Advent is a season rich in traditions that help us reflect, pray, and truly ready ourselves for the great mystery of the Incarnation.
As the world around us bustles toward Christmas, with decorations and festivities starting earlier each year, Advent provides Catholics with a countercultural invitation: a time to slow down, quiet our hearts, and prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ.
Advent is a season rich in traditions that help us reflect, pray, and truly ready ourselves for the great mystery of the Incarnation. Here’s a look at some uniquely Catholic Advent traditions—many of which are often forgotten—that can help us draw closer to the mystery of Christ’s birth.
Observe Advent Ember Days
Traditionally, these were days of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving intended to sanctify each season, inviting the faithful to take stock of their lives and renew their commitment to God. During Advent, the Ember Days are an invitation to reflect on Christ’s coming and seek a renewal in faith.
On these days, try adding some extra prayer and fasting to your routine. You could use these days as a time to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, read the Gospel passages about the Annunciation and Visitation, or practice small acts of charity.
By focusing on repentance and renewal, the Ember Days can set a meaningful, reverent tone for the Advent season.
Attend a Rorate Mass
The Rorate Mass, a beautiful Advent tradition that has been somewhat forgotten, is celebrated in the early hours of the morning, typically just before dawn.
The Mass is offered in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who bore the Light of the World within her, and the church is usually lit only by candles. As dawn breaks during the Mass, the growing light serves as a powerful symbol of the coming of Christ, the Light of the World.
While not every parish offers a Rorate Mass, look for one in your diocese. The experience is moving and symbolic, helping you tangibly enter into the mystery of Advent.
If you can’t find a Rorate Mass near you, consider attending an early morning Mass during Advent, bringing your own candle as a reminder of the tradition, or even lighting candles at home as you say your morning prayers.
Pray the “O Antiphons”
The “O Antiphons” are a series of antiphons, or short verses, chanted or recited during the last seven days of Advent, from December 17 to December 23. Each one invokes a different title of Christ, such as “O Wisdom,” “O Lord,” “O Root of Jesse,” and so on.
Each title points to a different aspect of the Messiah, taken from the prophecies of Isaiah. These antiphons have a beautiful structure that leads us to meditate on who Jesus is and why He came into the world.
Consider adding the “O Antiphons” to your evening prayers, or use them as a daily meditation for the final week of Advent. You can find printable “O Antiphon” cards online to keep in your prayer space or to use in a family Advent prayer routine. Some families even sing a verse of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” each night, focusing on a different antiphon.
Make a Jesse Tree
The Jesse Tree is an ancient tradition that involves decorating a tree or branch with symbols that represent the ancestors of Jesus or key events in salvation history. This tradition takes its name from the prophecy in Isaiah 11:1: “A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse.”
Each ornament on the tree signifies a different story or figure from the Old Testament, reminding us how God prepared the world for the coming of Christ.
Each day of Advent, add an ornament representing a different figure in salvation history. There are many kits available to make your own Jesse Tree ornaments, or you can create simple paper ornaments with your family.
Take a few minutes each day to read the Scripture associated with each ornament. This daily practice provides a powerful reminder that Jesus’ birth was part of God’s plan from the very beginning.
Celebrate December Feast Days with Traditions That Point Us to Christ
One of the beautiful aspects of Advent is the way it’s interwoven with feast days dedicated to Mary and the saints, helping us keep our focus on Christ and His Kingdom. Celebrating these days gives us tangible moments to practice traditions and rituals that help us prepare spiritually for Christmas. Three especially beloved feasts during Advent are the Feast of St. Nicholas, St. Lucy’s Day, and the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception.
- Feast of St. Nicholas (December 6): Known for his generosity, St. Nicholas is the original inspiration behind Santa Claus. Many Catholic families mark this day by filling children’s shoes with treats and small gifts, a nod to St. Nicholas’s legendary acts of kindness. The feast is a reminder to embrace the spirit of giving, mirroring St. Nicholas’s love for Christ and his concern for others.
- Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (December 8): This holy day of obligation celebrates Mary’s conception without sin, honoring her as the one prepared by God to bear the Savior. Attending Mass on this day is a wonderful way to deepen our devotion to Mary, asking her to help us ready our hearts for Jesus. Celebrating this feast also invites us to renew our own “yes” to God, inspired by Mary’s complete trust in His plan.
- St. Lucy’s Day (December 13): St. Lucy, whose name means “light,” is celebrated with particular joy in countries like Sweden and Italy. In honor of her faith and martyrdom, some families celebrate by lighting candles or having a young girl in the family wear a wreath of candles as “St. Lucy.” This feast brings a reminder of the “light of the world” we are waiting for in Advent and encourages us to reflect on our own call to shine with the light of Christ.
This Advent, consider incorporating these feast days to give your family a sense of the “Catholic rhythm” of the season. These special days highlight virtues like generosity, purity, and the call to bring Christ’s light to the world—all of which prepare our hearts to receive Jesus with joy and love at Christmas.
As we approach Christmas, let’s allow these uniquely Catholic Advent traditions to enrich our season, focusing not only on the festivities but on the incredible gift we are preparing to receive.
Advent is a beautiful time of hope, longing, and preparation. By reviving some of these forgotten traditions, we’re reminded that Christ’s birth isn’t just a historical event but a mystery that transforms our lives here and now.
May these practices help you welcome Christ into your heart with renewed faith and joy this Christmas.
