What happened to "Let Every Heart PREPARE Him Room?"

 I will probably get mixed reactions on this.  We are entitled to our own reactions.  I, however, want to address the holiday jumble that is the end of October to the beginning of November.  Even before Halloween arrives, social media, stores, and television are all aglow with the longing for Christmas festivity.  The content creators tell you they just can't wait for the clock to strike midnight on Halloween night because then, "It's CHrIstMAsS!!!" It seems this year, even more than previous years, the push for Christmas is even harder and earlier than it's ever been.  Why is this?  Also, isn't this a good thing?

The reasoning that seems to be growing in intensity this year is that people just need more cheer, some peace on earth, joy, and general goodwill towards men.  Basically, if it makes me happy, can't I just have it and you leave me alone?  Well, there are two glaring problems with this.  The biggest concern is that we are putting our happiness, our own euphoria, above everything else.  Who cares what is normal, proper, or how it affects others?  "My life, my choice."  Sound familiar?  

(credit: Pinterest)

This desire to be fulfilled, happy, and do what brings us pleasure pervades our culture and our lives.  People are constantly on the hunt for pleasure and satisfaction, and the world tries to deliver at every turn, from instant gratification to self-affirmation.  We can pick whatever music or movie we want to fit our mood whenever we want it with streaming services.  We order delivery of whatever we're craving right to our doors without moving a muscle, and now, we want to have holiday cheer on tap to be turned on (and presumably off) when it pleases us.  It's as if Christmas only exists to bring us pleasure. Yet somehow, with all this instant gratification, we still feel so miserably discontented and are usually worn out by the third week of December.

We were not made to be satisfied by the pleasures of this world, even the ones so seemingly innocent as Hallmark movies and hot chocolate.  As Christians, we know this life is a journey, a valley of tears, a battle against sin, a climb to Heaven.  It is not easy, and we can only be satisfied fully by God Himself.  No amount of Christmas carols can cure us completely.  When we look for our next dopamine pacification in the upcoming holiday and its festivities, we can often still feel drained and dissatisfied even in the midst of it.  As humans and God's creatures, we were made for cycles and seasons.  It's not our business to rush these.  If we try to harvest happiness out of season, it will not be ripe.  Instead, it will be bitter and leave us hungry, even if it satisfies for a minute.  Instead, God, as the wonderful Creator that He is, knows what's best for us, and He has designed the seasons and the Church calendar for a purpose.  According to the natural seasons, it is most definitely autumn everywhere in the U.S.  Leaves are continuing to change color and fall, temperatures are finally dipping down, and harvest is in full swing.  We long for the coziness of autumn long enough at the end of summer, but don't seem to enjoy it past October 31st.  

October 31st is a holiday because it is the eve of All Saints.  That means that the feast of All Saints is just beginning on the day everyone says, "It's ChRiiSTmASs!!!"  But what actually happens to Hallowtide and the octave in which we can gain indulgences for the poor souls in Purgatory?  In a month which the Church, in Her wisdom, has set aside to help the holy souls with prayer in sacrifice, we are all too eager to indulge ourselves in winter festivities just because we need some joy in our humdrum lives.  But what about the fulfillment that comes from the rhythms and cycle of the Church year?  We have finished the month of the Holy Rosary and are entering a new devotion.  We have something new to focus on.  It may not be as warm and fuzzy as we'd like it to be, but that's not what we're made for.  Our Lady told St. Bernadette,

"I do not promise you happiness in this life, but in the next."

We need to order our lives after the true happiness of Heaven and do everything we can to get there.  The road is indeed steep and narrow, but God, in His goodness, does give us joys along the way.  It's important not to snatch them out of His hands before He intends to give them to us, though.

But one may object that there is no harm in celebrating Christmas early because it's about the birth of Christ!  That may be true in origin, but binge-listening to Mariah Carrey, and buying all new on-trend holiday decor hardly constitutes celebrating Christ.  Again, people are clamoring for this holiday because they desire the feelings it brings, not because they love their Redeemer so much that they celebrate His birthday a whole two months in advance.  If we really wanted to honor Christ in our homes, we would spend time in prayer, at church, reading about His Incarnation, and following His Church in its celebrations.  We must prepare our sinful hearts to receive Him at Christmas so we can more fully experience the true and lasting joy of His gift.  

All year long, we speak of finding contentedness, living in the moment, being present, until this time when we rush ahead of the season, only to be more tired and drained when it is over.  The world tells you you need Christmas joy now, but don't be afraid to put down the phone, turn off the TV, look around and see the fall colors outside, feel the crisp air, and do what God calls us to do this day.  Christmas will be here before you know it; don't worry.  Holy Mother Chruch gives us a whole season to celebrate it until the feast of the Presentation on February 2nd.  She knows our needs, we just must be Her patient children drawing on the strength She gives us now in the Rosary, the festivities of Hallowtide, and the gratitude of Thanksgiving.  

Don't lose heart.  Soldier on bravely for Christ the King, and soon enough, Christ will be able to find room in your heart when Christmas is truly here to pierce the darkness and freezing cold of winter.

There is so much more I could say in favor of following the seasons of the Church instead of the commercialization, but I want to encourage you to slow down and discover your own traditions for this time of year.  Pray for the holy souls in Purgatory, prepare for Thanksgiving, and enjoy all that autumn has to offer.  Then, dig into Advent, try to really prepare and grow in holiness during that season of waiting when it comes, and in doing so, you'll indeed be preparing Him room.  The joy of Christmas will truly be all the more glorious.

The Winter Wonderland Tag

Hello, my friends!  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  I'm back with yet another tag!  (They are such easy and fun things to post, you know?)  Thank you so much to Samantha over at Bookshire for another wonderful tag!  Let's get started!!

Praecepta:
Link back to The Storybook Journal (the creator of the tag)
Answer the questions; think Winter-y thoughts! Include pictures, if you like.
Tag at least 3 other bloggers, or more if you're feeling ambitious. :)

1. Name a few things you love about Winter and a few things you don't love so much about it.

Winter... I'm not even sure you could call what we experience here in the low desert "winter." 😅  We get lows in the low 40's, maybe the high 30's if we're lucky.  That being said, I do like the cooler temperatures, the ability to bundle up in cute modest winter outfits, drinking tea, seeing Christmas lights, Advent, and of course, Christmas itself!

I don't love the bare trees but other than that, I can't think of much I don't like about winter.  Isn't that odd?  Maybe also the fact that it gets darker earlier but this year hasn't been very bad because our house is all cozy with Christmas decorations. 😊

2. When you were a child, did you "believe" in Santa Claus?

Yes, yes I did.  I know, "shock and disbelief!" 😱  My parents did a wonderful job of playing Santa and the Easter Bunny and I loved Santa.  But Christmas was still first and foremost about the Baby Jesus.  Santa certainly wasn't the star of the show.  When I was 12 or so (if I remember correctly,) I found a receipt for one of my Christmas gifts from Santa in the garage and went to ask my mom about it.  Thankfully my sister didn't catch on so I got to have a good laugh when Easter came around and she still thought the Easter bunny was real.  I don't remember the discovery coming as a shock to me.  It just made sense as Santa was a bit far-fetched since we didn't have a chimney and he was able to visit every kid across the globe in just one night. 😅  It was really a seamless transition, I think.

Credit: Pinterest

Sam also asked if her readers would keep up the legend of Santa for their kids.  I haven't decided yet and I think I would decide that for sure with my future husband.  I have heard of a beautiful tradition of telling your children that the gifts were from Baby Jesus and having them write their wishlist with prayers to Him.  Then when they're old enough, you explain that Jesus blessed mommy and daddy with the ability to get them those toys.  Or maybe I'll just stick with Santa because he is a right jolly old elf. 😉

Credit: Pinterest

3. Is there a book or movie that you really love to read in the Winter as opposed to other times of year?

I'm usually pretty busy around Christmas (both before and after) so I don't get a lot of reading in during that time.  But after the beginning rush of the Christmas season has worn off and we reach mid-January, I can settle in with a good book.  This is the time of year I usually read something new.  One year it was "Little Women."  That was a nice winter read.  I also read "Christmas with Anne", a delightful collection of short stories by my favorite authoress, L.M. Montgomery.  I also like to browse through our box of children's Christmas books that I grew up with.  

4. Is there a particular Christmas movie that you watch EVERY year as a tradition?

Credit: Pinterest

Oh yes!!  There are quite a few.  Our family's absolute favorite movie to watch each and every single year is "It's a Wonderful Life."  Other honorable mentions include "White Christmas", "A Christmas Story", "A Charlie Brown Christmas", and in recent years we've added "The Man Who Invented Christmas" to that list.

Credit: Pinterest

5. Do you usually get a real tree or a fake tree for Christmas? Who's in charge of decorating it at your house?

We've had an artificial tree for a number of years (although there was a time in between when we bought a real tree for a number of years.)  We usually like to decorate it as a family in the week before Christmas.  This year, we decorated it on Christmas Eve and that was a wonderful time.  

6. Does your family usually stay home or go visiting (relatives, friends, etc.) on Christmas Day?

Well, we usually start Christmas Day off at church and then come home and enjoy Christmas brunch as a family.  It's been years since we've exchanged many presents between ourselves on Christmas day proper because in the afternoon we go to our cousins' house for dinner and gifts!  But it is always such a fun time with family, food, games, and Christmas cheer.

7. What does your family usually do on New Year's Eve? Any traditions? Do you ever stay up till midnight?

Our New Year's Eve hasn't really kept the same tradition from year to year.  Some years we're at friends' houses, one year we had Mass and Adoration through midnight, other years we've been at home, and others we've celebrated at our cousins' house as well.  It usually involves sparkling apple cider (or now, champagne!)  This year, we were blessed to attend the enthronement to the Sacred Heart of our friends' home on New Year's Eve!  And yes, I always like to stay up past midnight!  It wouldn't feel right to go to bed earlier. 😄

8. Do you get snow where you live? If so, have you ever built a snowman and named him Olaf?

Snow is a rare phenomenon that graces us every 5 years or so.  The last time we had a light dusting of snow here in the valley was January of 2020.  We do have mountains around though and they get snow every year!  So if you go up there, you can experience snow, skiing (I've never been), and sledding!  2 years ago, my boyfriend and I took a trip up to the mountains and built a genuine snowman.  I don't remember what we named him but I don't think it was very original. 😅 It wasn't Olaf though.  

We also made some vanilla snow ice cream.  😋  When I was a little girl and we got some snow in our backyard, my sister and I made a mini-snowman and used a baby carrot for his nose.

9. If it's snowing outside, would you prefer to go outside and build snowmen and enjoy it, or would you rather stay inside with a blanket and something hot to drink and maybe a movie or a book?

Ooh!  Well, since we don't get snow very often, I absolutely love to go out walking in the snow looking at all the beauty around.  If we had more snow, you could guarantee that I would be out sledding and once I got thoroughly cold, I'd come in for a cup (or two or three) of hot cocoa and a cozy movie or book.

10. When do you start looking forward to or getting excited about Spring?

That depends, but usually in February. 😅  Of course it doesn't really feel like spring until maybe late March or even April sometimes but I'm sure our temperatures feel like spring in other colder parts of the country.  I get excited about spring once I can start wearing lighter layers and it's not so cold out.  

Credit: Pinterest

Wow, that was fun!  Thanks again, Sam!!  Now, to tag three other bloggers...

I Tag:

Katherine and Grace @ The Maidens of Green Gables

Catherine @ Femininity From Scratch

And you!  If you'd like to steal this tag, please do share the link to your answers in the comments below! 

Sending warmest wishes for a wonderful 2023!

God love you,

Sarah

Let's go Christmas Shopping!

Hello and blessed Advent dear friends!

I'm always attracted to the small Catholic businesses at this time of year whether I'm shopping for others or making a wishlist for myself.  Of course, I find tons of great products I would love for myself but alas my budget is tight so I'll put a couple things on my wishlist and dream about the rest.  But I thought it might be fun to share my most favorite gift ideas with you!!  The Catholic mom, Jessica, over at Shower of Roses puts together a drool-worthy Sleighful of Gift Ideas and Giveaway every year on her blog with tons of great gift ideas for the whole family!!  But since I'm a few years older than her oldest daughter, I've always found there could be more recommendations for "older" Catholic young women.  So think of this list as the ultimate gift guide for that 20-30-year-old Catholic young woman in your life!!  Or maybe you are that young woman and need inspiration for your wishlist and friends' gifts!  Well, look no further and enjoy this festive and faithful gift list!

(This post may contain affiliate links.  Thank you for your support of Catholic small businesses!)

1. Traditional Catholic Planners

First up on my list are calendar planners! I've been a fan of the Happy Planner designs and layouts for years after being gifted one in 2018. But just like many other secular artistic businesses, The Happy Planner includes gay pride and other woke concepts in their products so I'm looking to make the switch to a traditional Catholic calendar planner. I've been pretty spoiled by the layout and customizability of the Happy Planners so I have high expectations when searching for alternatives. Here are four of the absolute favorites that I found!

(Pictured above clockwise starting top left:)

1. Women's Traditional Catholic Planner 2022-2023 from Raising Hearts shop on Etsy

        This one is my top favorite so far with plenty of room, a simple yet elegant design, and extra goodies such as a dinner planner and Sacraments tracker!

2. 2023 Half Size Catholic Planner: Simply Catholic Edition from Elizabeth Clare Shop on Etsy

        This purse-sized planner includes both Traditional and NO calendar feasts so you'll never miss anything yet there's still plenty of room for your own plans and personalized touch.

3. Fiat: Traditional Catholic Planner from Sophia Institute Press

        A gorgeous option with the stunning artwork you may have seen in the Illustrated Liturgical Year Calendars also from Sophia.  This full-color planner is also a great portable size with room for all your plans alongside lots of Catholic richness.

4. 2023 Liturgical Daily Planner from Angelus Press 

        A classic Catholic planner with all the liturgical info you need including traditional feasts, vestment colors, and days of fasting and abstinence.  There's also room for notes and sketches!

Ps. If you've already got a classic calendar or planner for this year, I highly recommend these Feast Day Stickers from Mourning Dove Co. on Etsy.  My parents gifted them to me last year and I absolutely loved them.  The minis fit in my Happy Planner perfectly allowing ample space for other plans in the date boxes.

2. Missals

Every Traditional Catholic needs a hand missal!!  Here are some of the best and most affordable missals I've found and like!

(Pictured above in order of ascending price clockwise:)

1. St. Andrew Daily Missal from Daughters of Mary Press    

        This is the pre-1955 missal that is chock full of prayers, images, and propers for Mass!  The most economical option out there for just $40!

2. 1962 Roman Catholic Daily Missal from Angelus Press

        This missal is simple and easy to follow with all the basics (and more) you'll need!  Check out the link for a full description of all this missal has to offer!

3. Father Lasance - The New Roman Missal from Daughters of Mary Press

        I believe this one is a fan favorite!  You can't go wrong with Father Lasance, the beloved author of "The Catholic Girls Guide."  

4. St. Joseph Daily Missal from Fraternity Publications 

        Although this missal does not include all that the others above have to offer, this is the one I've had for years and it's still my favorite.  Easy to read text, plenty of illustrations to keep you on track with your progress in the order of the Mass, and all the basic prayers and propers in English you need!

3. Catholic Spirituality Books

1. Divine Intimacy by Father Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, O.C.D. from Fraternity Publications

        Full of beautiful daily meditations on Catholic life and the Saints!  This is at the top of my wishlist this year!

2. The Catholic Girl's Guide by Fr. Lasance from Angelus Press

        This book is small yet mighty with a plethora of wisdom and prayers for young girls from the tween years even up through their adulthood.  I have a hand-me-down copy that I use all the time and take almost everywhere with me because it fits in my purse.  Good for both meditative reading and prayer.  It is a wealth of spiritual nourishment that you can use for years to come!

3. The Little Flower Prayer Book: A Carmelite Manual of Prayers from TAN Books

        A newer addition to my spiritual armory, this prayer book is a must for all lovers of the Little Flower, the little way, and all things Carmelite in general!  There are excerpts of St. Thérèse's writings along with prayers to her, composed by her, and for all the special Carmelite devotions.  It is my new favorite prayer book!

4.  The Golden Arrow: The Revelations of Sr. Mary of St. Peter from TAN Books

        A wonderful and easy read about the origin of the devotion to the Holy Face and the Golden Arrow prayer that Our Lord Himself revealed to a Carmelite nun.  A beautiful and inspiring read.

4. Catholic Apparel

(Pictured clockwise starting at top left:)

1. Venite Adoremus Dominum Nativity Sweatshirt

2. Our Lady of Guadalupe t-shirt

3. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel t-shirt

4. Lattes, Leaves, & Latin Mass Please t-shirt

        I know this one is more of a fall-themed shirt but I just love the concept so much!

5. Christmas Decor

(Pictured from top left clockwise:)

1. Nativity Wood Carved Religious Icon from Kozakworkshop on Etsy

        All of their products are gorgeous!  Check them out!

2. Madonna and Child Christmas ornament from Caritas Dei on Etsy

        Also tons of other great gifts from this shop on Etsy!

3. Immaculate Heart of Mary ornament from In Aeternum Boutique on Etsy

        Such a gorgeous ornament and there are also Holy Family and Sacred Heart ornaments as well!

4. Christmas Tree Creche Candle from The Cloister Shoppe

        We get our Advent candles from these Dominican nuns!

There are so many other gift ideas such as rosaries, jewelry, art, statues, craft supplies, and music; the list is endless!  All you have to do is search "Catholic Christmas" on Etsy to find lots of great and festive ideas!  Also, I have lots of ideas saved to this board on my Pinterest!  I hope you found this list helpful for starting your own wishlist or shopping for that special Catholic young woman in your life!

Wishing you a blessed Advent and happy Christmas shopping!

In cordibus Jesu et Mariae,

Sarah

Commit to Christ This Year

Happy New Year, friends!!  I am so excited to be back and focusing more on this little blog here.  I meant to finish this post in January, but alas it is February and no longer the Christmas season *le sigh*  First, let's just do a little rambly catchup!

My apologies for not replying to your comments in a timely fashion!  You may have noticed I caught up recently.  That's because Google likes to pick a "favorite" account that is dominant on each computer.  My dad's account is the favorite on the home computer and my sister's is the favorite on our shared laptop.  I finally logged in on a different browser, though, so I can reply to your comments again.  Yay!!

I've also decided to remove Instagram and Facebook from my smartphone at least for now because it is a time sucker.  And as much as I hate to say it, I find myself starting to fall into the common pits of comparison and covetousness.  So far, I have not felt the loss of those social medias and I'm actually very happy without them.  If you've been thinking about making the jump, I highly recommend it!  Even if you don't delete your accounts but just keep them off of your phone, it makes a huge difference.  Instead, I've found lots of time for knitting, reading, hanging out with friends, cooking, and enjoying the beautiful world around me!

Now to the purpose of this post.  I had the idea for it originally during Mass, but I forget exactly what I was going to write about.  Nevertheless, these thoughts and ideas have been floating around my mind for the last few weeks and I'd like to share my musings with you.  

I have been invigorated in my faith this Christmas season since it connects me with my roots and my absolute favorite devotion, to the child Jesus!  Whenever I feel angry, moody, or hurt, I try to picture the baby Jesus.  My God was just a tiny little helpless baby!  How could I offer an angry or hurtful word in His presence?  Of course, I still do fall into this sin often but by the grace of God, I can try to remember the Infant Jesus and do my best!

And even though someday I want to approach the crib of Bethlehem with my very own little family, if it be God's will, I must still approach it now, as my helpless little self.  So I've taken to picturing myself as a little wobbly lamb because as a lamb I can approach the manger all by myself and have no need to look over my shoulder.  I meekly come up to the edge of the wooden trough where His tiny little hand hangs over the edge.  I nudge my head under those little fingers, and he grasps the curly little mop of fluff on my head.  

(Whoa, I just found this image and it fits so perfectly!!)

I have not forgotten about the rest of Christ's amazing life though.  On the contrary, I have actually thought even more about His Passion and death during this Christmas season.  To contemplate the fact that this little precious baby would one day be mocked, ridiculed, tortured in the extreme, and put to death on a cross is quite a striking image.  Before Christmas during Advent, I tried to offer those I loved to the Christ Child in the manger.  But now, I find more consolation in offering them to Our Lord hung upon the cross.  His blood pours down upon their souls, His eyes embrace them, His suffering redeems them.  Whether I am missing someone or extremely angry at someone, I now try to place them at the feet of Our Lord on the cross and leave them there.  He can heal and fix their hearts, and mine, far better than I ever could.

We need to commit to Christ this year.  Father preached on the feast of the Circumcision of Our Lord and the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus that Our Lord wasted no time at all once He had been named Jesus, which means God saves, in pouring out His precious blood for us.  He did not have to be circumcised.  He was God.  But in order to show His infinite love for us, He humbled Himself in our humanity by shedding His blood even in His infancy, at just 8 days old.  He committed to being your savior by being named Jesus and taking on your humanity so He could be the perfect victim.  Why don't we commit our lives to Him?  Sure, we are baptized, designate Sundays as the day to go to church, and try to say our prayers but this isn't committing our entire lives to Him.  If we think about all of the things we do and say on a daily basis that do not bring honor and glory to God or that even outright offend Him, we can see all the room we have for growing closer to God in this life.  

The season of Lent is fast approaching and I'm already finding myself contemplating how I can grow closer to Jesus this season and how I can truly model my life after His will.  Maybe this will look like removing songs from my music playlists that take His holy Name in vain or denying myself little pleasures to make others around me happy.  Time is fleeting and we do not have very much of it on this earth.  If we wish to make it to Heaven, we need to start preparing now.  Why waste another minute on a silly grudge or fanciful indulgence?  If Christ called you to Himself right now, would you be happy and satisfied with how you've committed to Christ?  Let's not live the Christian life by parts or halves but let us order every single word and action of ours to bring us closer to God!  I want to commit to Christ this year just like He committed His whole life to me at the moment of His circumcision.

Thanks so much for reading my rambly little post!  How will you strive to commit your whole life to Christ this year?  I'd love to chat with you in the comments below!

God love you!