Late night letter writing (on Dec 5th) to St. Nicholas and the Christ Child ✍️
We adopted this little tradition many years ago inspired by Maria Von Trapp: “... And there is still one very important thing to do for Advent. According to Austrian custom, every member of the family writes a letter to the Holy Child mentioning his resolutions for the weeks of Advent and listing all his wishes for gifts. This "Christkindl Brief" (letter to the Holy Child) is put on the window sill, from whence the Guardian Angel will take it up to heaven to read it aloud to the Holy Child...”
Our children just tuck their letters into their shoes (or I guess next to them) on the eve of the feast of St. Nicholas so that he can pick them up and deliver them to the Christ Child.
I apologize for taking so long to get this year's Advent labels created and uploaded to share! Our college kids were able to make the trip home for Thanksgiving and I didn't want to spend time blogging while they were here... The visit flew by, but at least they'll be home again in 3 1/2 weeks for Christmas break! If you could please pray for their safe travels today. Thankfully the weather is much better than it was last Tuesday and hopefully the Save-a-Deer Whistles Sean added to the front of the minivan will keep the deer (and elk, moose, etc) from jumping out into the road too... I'll be praying to their guardian angels all day!
Anyway... back to Advent!
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 28th.
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'm running behind this year so I had some of our children help pick out this year's books, with their youngest siblings in mind. Now I need to go and get them all wrapped while the babies nap!
Here's what's getting wrapped up for this year:
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Advent Book Basket
November 28 - 1st Sunday of Advent: Saved by the Lamb - set up Advent Calendars and Jesse Tree
December 19 - 4th Sunday of Advent - O Radix Jesse: Gingerbread Pirates (The birthday boy has asked for a "pirate" theme this year... I'm going to order this book to wrap and slip in to the basket, unless anyone has a better suggestion?)
Many years ago now (six or seven?) 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.
Regina Martyrum Productions produces the finest works of Catholic audio theatre. With emphasis on the lives of the Saints, these products are edifying, and entertaining. Stories hold our attention, teach us morals, and can teach a moral lesson while entertaining. We all love stories. Here at Regina Martyrum Productions, we provide high-quality, fully-dramatized Catholic stories. From Old Testament scenes to New Testament saints, we provide the best, timeless stories for today’s Catholic audiences. Engaging the power of your imagination while listening, you and your children will walk through the pages of the Church's history. These are not your run of the mill "books on tape!" Every production is packed with full cast, great music, and realistic sound effects! They are great in the car, at story time, or at anytime!
I have been a fan of Regina Martyrum Productions ever since our oldest children were toddlers! I treasure our collection of CDs, and even some audio cassettes which we were given many many years ago. I was just telling our 16 year old that I need to pull them all back out.
These inspiring stories of the saints will make a deep impression on both children and adults! We love all the stories, but my personal favorite (and my husbands too!) is the story of St. Gerard Majella, To Heaven Through the Window.
It's time for this year's list of "Christmas Gift Ideas" and another "Sleighful of Giveaways!"
I came very close to not putting this together this year... It takes a lot of time to coordinate all the prizes, and then gather all the links for each section of gift ideas but it's fun too! I decided to just go for it... but then regretted it almost immediately since it just takes way too much time! I really do love being able to bless over 20 families with gifts donated by all the generous sponsors though and also help with shopping ideas at the same time. I hope it's helpful for you all!
You can find the lists from the last six years here, here, here, here, here, and here as well as even more Catholic gift ideas listed in my past Easter posts as well: 100+ Easter Basket Stuffers & Catholic Gift Ideas and Easter Symbols: Catholic Gift Ideas. Some of the items below have been featured in the past but they are still favorites. I've tried to only include links to things that are currently available, or were available at the time of this post, but I think a few items might be out of stock...
Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom to enter the giveaway for a chance to win one of 22 PRIZES with a combined value of over $2,400! 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.
Morning Star - Not Christmas themed, but this brand new book is excellent! I'm reading it aloud to my children right now. It would make a great Christmas gift, especially for children ages 9-15!
Road to Bethlehem Board Game - Repeat from a couple years ago but actually adding it to our game collection this year. Looking forward to playing it with the family.
Nativity Matches from Truck & Barter - I just purchased a bunch of Candles and Matches to give as Christmas gifts from this sweet local Catholic family! The candles are amazing and I included additional links below.
*We also love the Christmas music from Celtic Thunder, Michael Buble, Bing Crosby and so many others! I'd love to hear your favorites! Oh, and for Advent Music check out Legends of St. Nicholas, Adventus and Advent at Ephesus!
.: Favorite Nativity Sets :.
These are some of the nativity sets our family has collected over the years.
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 or even handed down from older siblings.
.: Captain's Picks - Age 21 :.
Once again I asked my college "kids" to help with the gift guide again...
Here is what James sent me when I asked for his list:
Motivational/Inspirational reading. Always nice knowing other people who’ve made it to the top didn’t do so by doing nothing. It requires work and determination. Also Bear is a legend <3
Spiritual reading book of some sort. Always got to be working to that higher good.
Workout shoes/running shoes (mine are already kinda oldish but they have been going down hill real quick especially since going to the gym/field house a lot.)
Fun sweatshirt of some sort (either sport oooor something patriotic/police). It's cold up here in ND! haha
Fun beanie or hat (trucker style hat) I'm turning into Dad with the whole hat thing... haha (Also the Coyotes hockey team absolutely stinks this year so all their apparel is getting cheap.)
Lessons from Madame Chic: 20 Stylish Secrets I Learned While Living in Paris - This is such a great book because not only does it help you with your manners, ways for entertaining, and finding pleasure in the simple things, but it also give you advice on healthy ways to eat, exercise, dressing in a modest/stylish way, etc.
LED Curtain String Lights (Warm White) - These make my dorm room look/feel so cozy and it makes it so fun to just hangout in my dorm and work on homework in a comfortable/cozy environment.
Letter Board - This is great for decoration and to put quotes on!! Right now I have “Be what God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire” and seeing that every day or while doing homework is very motivational.
16"x20" Wood Frame Magnetic Chalkboard Calendar with Hexagon Cork Bulletin Board Tiles - Some friends gave me these for my graduation and I them so much! The hexagons are so nice to hang up pictures of friends/incoming events on and the chalkboard calendar makes it easy to see what I have going on in the next week/month.
Pink 6-Can Mini Fridge - I’ve gotten so many complements on my little fridge since getting to college and it’s so nice to have cold sparkling water ready whenever I’m studying. It also is Pink!!
Be Kind Anyway T-Shirt from The Little Rose Shop - St. Teresa of Calcutta’s “Anyway” poem is my absolute favorite poem because it shows how this earth is just temporary and that you should not become down because of something someone said or did. “Be Kind Anyway” is a part of that poem and it is so simple yet it means so much. If you haven’t read that poem before, you should! It’s such a beautiful one!
Wish List: AirPods - One thing I wish I had here at college is AirPods because they would so helpful listening to videos while working out or in the Nest.
Secret Hitler - Secret Hitler is such a fun game to find out who Secret Hitler is and to try to win either as fascists or liberals. It’s so fun and it tests your trust in friends!
.: Chiquita's Picks - Age 16 :.
Here is what she sent me to include:
Academic Planner -This has been a life saver for school! Keeps everything nice and tidy!
Charles Dickens Series - My Dad thinks I’m crazy, but I really love Charles Dickens’ works! He’s just an amazing author! (wish I could say the same about Emily Bronte… blech!)
JessaKae dresses - yet again! I realize that none of my favorites really change over the years…
Bow - Always got to have this one on the list! It’s just that great! Though, I haven’t been able to get out and shoot it much, it’s always a favorite pastime for me and the younger sibs with their bows.
Our Life, Our Sweetness, and Our Hope t-shirt(or Our Lady of Guadalupe t-shirt) - I love all of my Catholic t-shirts, but this one is definitely a favorite! They match with so much and last sooo long! I wore them with nearly every outfit last summer!
The Shadow of His Wings - A pretty awesome book, all true, and great for someone who’s into the world wars! Full of Nazi’s, imprisonment, adventure, and the importance of the Eucharist!
The New Roman Catholic Missal by Father Lasance - It was very handy on the Nun Run and so easy to use! And it’s big enough so it’s hard to forget about! I haven’t been able to read the rest of my Easter books, but they all look REALLY good!
Mini Bennett Satchel from Coach - She received the light pink version last Christmas after admiring her older sister's white version for years! I purchased both of the girls purses on eBay at a fraction of the MSRP.
Polar Bear - Another loved gift from his Godparents along with his Arctic Fox, Red Fox and River Otter Plush. All of the Wild Republic stuffed animals are great.
Dragon Rescue Kit - This tiny little "kit" would make a cute stocking stuffer for little hands to discover. My parents also gave the girls the Hug a Llama Kit too when they visited last summer.
Adding this bonus category of our favorite wooden toys from over the years!
Fagus Wooden Trucks and Vehicles - German crafted and made of solid Beechwood. We have been collecting for awhile and have the Limited Edition Red Fire Engine, Jeep, Snow Plow add on, Container Tipper Truck, Front End Loader, Conveyor Belt, and the Excavator. I have a couple more stashed away for future gets. Look for them in the US at The Wooden Wagon, Nova Natural and Bella Luna Toys.
Interlocking Blocks - I keep a basket of these (2 or 3 sets of 92) in a basket in our living room and they are played with daily!
Ostheimer Toys - Collectible hand carved figures made in Germany and finished with non-toxic stains and finished with natural oils. Collections include: Family Figures, Fairy Tale Characters, Farm Animals, Woodland Animals, Zoo Animals, and landscape pieces, such as Trees, Fences, Ponds, Grass and much more! We have been collecting these for years now. They have gotten hard to come by the past couple years (frequently out of stock everywhere in the US) and have really increased in price, but we still love them. You can find them in the US at the same stores as the Fagus Vehicles above.
Melissa & Doug Medieval Folding Castle - We bought this over ten years ago and it's still a favorite. We have (and LOVE the Princess Castle too- it was the first one I purchased of the two) but unfortunately it's not currently available. Also, wood toys have at least doubled in price... Back then I paid around $50 for each! They have been played with by all of our children and are still getting played with frequently! We also have the Fold and Go Wooden Dollhouse.
Seri's Dollhouse - The older girls received this back in 2012 and have loved using it as a home for their Calico Critters over the years.
.: Gift Ideas for Women :.
Crown Maple® Bourbon Barrel Aged organic maple syrup - I try to avoid sugar, but I sure love maple syrup! This is my favorite and I always stock up when it's in stock at Costco for adding to my morning coffee with a little cream. It's like liquid gold!
Here is what Sean sent me when I asked him for nine suggestions:
Coat of Arms/Family Crest Coasters - Made in the USA, every member family must show pride in their family name and honor their heritage. The family crest reminds us of our forefathers, the honor they brought to the family, and the hopes of meeting them again in the afterlife. Coffee drinkers, guests, etc. will appreciate seeing these in your home:
Celtic Cross Warriors Shield - Get your Irishman something to bring out his fighting spirit and to remind him of his role as family protector. This celtic cross shield is perfect for his office, above the fireplace or to adorn the mancave.
The Imitation of Christ - Want to see your father or husband spiritually improve each day? Get him to read one chapter a day out of The Imitation of Christ. Lauded by St. Therese of Lisieux as the only other book she needed besides the Sacred Scriptures, the short 1-2 page chapters in this masterpiece will surely bring a conversion of heart and a spiritual renewal so much needed in today’s world. The illustrations alone within the book are worthy of their own meditations.
Saint Benedict: The Story of the Father of the Western Monks - This story and the others in the series (Published by TAN Books; December 31,1942) are excellent books for dads to read to the children at dinner time - while they eat and before dad takes his first bite. It is a time honored tradition in monastic communities for a member to read aloud at dinner time. It also serves as an opportunity for the head of the household to perform a good service for his family and demonstrate the importance of the material he is reading by waiting for his dinner:
My Catholic Faith Classic 1954 Edition - My Catholic Faith is a tastefully illustrated and perfectly concise traditional catechism for all ages. It summarizes all the main points of our faith using only two pages for each instruction. This comprehensive catechism will be a family heirloom in the home
Shooter's Bible - Every man in the home needs familiarity with firearms. Yes, he needs to first have his own copy of The Bible, but next he needs… the Shooter’s Bible. "Shooter's Bible, for generations the most trusted source of detailed information on firearms, offers gun enthusiasts expert knowledge and advice on gun care."
Gift Card - Finally, every guy needs an opportunity to pick out his favorite thing at Cabela’s.
There will be one winner for each of the following 22 PRIZES with a COMBINED VALUE OF OVER $2,400!!!
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Prize #01 - An original painting - a hand-calligraphed and illustrated Beer Blessing in Latin. It is a petite 5"x7" - nice for the kitchen. Sumi inks and gouache on paper. Sponsored by Pelican Printery House(value $250.00)
Congratulations, Rosie T!
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Prize #02 - Three Saints Around the World prints, a signed Saints Around the World book and 6 saint blocks sponsored by Almond Rod Toys(value $170.00)
BONUS: SAVE 10% with Coupon Code: ROSES (valid until Dec 12, 2021)
Prize #04 - A set of posters, the Christmas cycle from Sophia Institute Press and a year free membership to Liturgy of the Home Digital which includes Digital access to black & white and Color calendars, Coloring pages for the whole year, Digital access to black & white and color Monthly Dedication Images and One saint story per week with audio reading of the story (Stories are abridged from Butler's Lives of the Saints by Kateri Lawless) sponsored by Liturgy of the Home(value $150.00)
Prize #06 - Marian Prize including Lapis Lazuli and Swarovski crystal Rosary, Marian Planner (this is a blank bullet journal style planner, I also have a printable version available with more page layouts), Scapular necklace (Embroidered woolen panels with mini vintage scapular medals & miraculous medal. The chain has Swarovski crystal beads wire wrapped into it), Miraculous Medal drop earrings, Stood the Mournful Mother(prints of this book are also available as PDF) sponsored by Life, Love & Sacred Art(value $144.98)
Prize #08 - 4 Prayer Pillowcases and a $50 Prayer Pillowcases Gift Card to shop with or gift away! The gift bundle of 100% cotton Prayer Pillowcases includes the Holy Family with St. Bede’s beautiful prayer for Advent, Our Lady of Good Counsel with the Salve Regina, encouragement from Padre Pio and the essential Prayer to St. Michael.(value $130.00)
Shop prayerpillowcases.com with code WinterRoses for grace-filled gifts and stocking stuffers you can personalize! (Coupon expires Dec. 5th.)
Congratulations, Alena Therese!
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Prize #09 - Advent Prize including O Antiphon Ornament Kit (also offers PDF version), St. Andrew Christmas Novena Print (PDF found here), Wire wrapped copper & Swarovski crystal St. Andrew Christmas Novena Chaplet sponsored by Life, Love & Sacred Art(value $110.00)
Congratulations, Frannie Ruth!
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Prize #10 - 12 Nail Polishes and 3 Lip Balms sponsored by Lisieux Nail Polishes(value $110.00)
Prize #12 - Advent Crate which includes a Catholic Jesse Tree complete with 28 cards (and Mother Mary!) for the longest of Advent seasons, not just the 24 days of December, 10 gorgeous Advent Liturgical Art Prints, 10 Advent Calendar Stickers, Advent Music Playlist, “O’Antiphons” Ornaments, 8x10 print of the St. Andrew Christmas Novena to guide your family in the meditative prayer that lasts from November 30 - Christmas Day and increases our awareness of the real focus of Christmas, Thank You Cards featuring Baby Jesus, Advent Prayer Table Topper, and a Christmas Music Playlist sponsored by Catholic Family Crate(value $100.00)
Congratulations, Shannon!
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Prize #13 - St. Therese Rosary from The Rose Picker(value $98.00)
Prize #15 - 2 signed copies of Morning Star and a signed limited edition Morning Star poster (poster frame not included) sponsored by Celestine Publications(value $75.00)
Prize #17 - Patron Saint Rosary with Our Lady of Czestochowa (winner can select a custom saint for the back side of the center medal), Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Rosary hanger, Traditional Rosary Guide (not yet in print I will be binding this myself, but a PDF will be available in the shop), and PDF sets of my newest printables: Jesus & Marian Holy Cards sponsored by My Little Patron(value $72.00)
Here are the links to all of our book lists, our 2021 Advent Book Basket and the list of books our children will receive this year on the feast of St. Nicholas.
