I’m always trying to figure out how to make it easier for families to observe the Christian Year because we felt so overwhelmed when we first started that journey (which is why we wrote the book we wish we had then). I thought it might be helpful for our family to have resources compiled for the month ahead so that we can plan in advance which special saints days we want to observe and I hope … [Read more...]
Liturgical Living at a Glance: December 2016
I’m always trying to figure out how to make it easier for families to observe the Christian Year because we felt so overwhelmed when we first started that journey (which is why we wrote the book we wish we had then). I thought it might be helpful for our family to have resources compiled for the month ahead so that we can plan in advance which special saints days we want to observe and I hope … [Read more...]
The 2016 Carrots Christmas Gift Guide (With Discount Codes Just for You!)
This morning it's rainy outside, I have pie hangover, and there's several hours of the new Gilmore Girls revival season waiting for me on Netflix. So obviously I'm going to continue my beloved tradition of not changing out of pajamas or going ANYWHERE on Black Friday. I have exactly zero desire to fight crowds for sales....ever. So want to join me in finding some great deals from the couch? … [Read more...]
The Incarnation and the Pietá
The Incarnation of Christ, celebrated in the liturgical season of Christmastide, takes on a richer significance for me with each passing year. The story of the Nativity is fuller–but undeniably stranger. It loses the saccharine quality of greeting cards and becomes complicated. Christmas becomes more intricately connected to Holy Week and I’m reminded that the miracle of the Incarnation isn’t … [Read more...]
Liturgical Living at a Glance: December 2015
I thought it might be helpful for our family to have resources compiled for the month ahead so that we can plan in advance which special saints days we want to observe and I hope having them all in one place is helpful to you, too! And I pinned all of the following resources on a December Liturgical Living pinterest board for your convenience! As always, remember not to get overwhelmed. You … [Read more...]
Pain, Joy, Love, and a Christmas Playlist for You
We've had record-breaking storms for the past few days. Our driveway is under water and yesterday when we were driving home after visiting some friends, a huge oak tree had fallen across the street. Detour time. Yesterday we woke up to a puddle in our kitchen where our roof was leaking. Sigh. But it's almost Christmas. And I think the little stubby purple candle from the first week of Advent is … [Read more...]
Why We Don’t Do Santa
Last week a friend confided to me that she wasn’t comfortable telling her young child that Santa was bringing presents on Christmas Eve. She recalled the confusion, outrage, and betrayal she felt as a child when she overheard the truth about Santa. Not wanting to repeat that experience for her child, she explained to friends and family that they would be skipping Santa. Her concerns were dismissed … [Read more...]
Liturgical Living at a Glance: December
It's HERE! It's finally here! Our new ebook, More Feasts! Celebrating Saints and Seasons with Simple Real Food Recipes is available for purchase this Advent season. 10 new recipes! Reflections on Advent and Holy Week and a few activities to do with children to bring the liturgical year into the home. We are so excited to share it with you! And just for Advent, our first ebook … [Read more...]
Baby-Friendly Saintly Gifts (Shining Light Dolls GIVEAWAY!)
This post is sponsored by Shining Light Dolls. I have a treat for you today! A few months ago, I shared about what we were stuffing our kids' Easter baskets with. I was having a hard time finding something for Baby Gwen that she wouldn't choke on. And I found Shining Light Dolls and their baby-friendly Our Lady of Guadalupe doll (the stars on her mantle made me think of my Gwen … [Read more...]
27 Picture Books for Advent and Christmas
This post contains Amazon affiliate links. I may be compensated for purchases made through these links, but all opinions are my own. It's been a couple of years since I wrote about picture books for Advent and Christmas and we have acquired so many more good ones to share with you! This year I'm going to wrap each book with wrapping paper so that the kids can unwrap one each morning of Advent. … [Read more...]