Every year, it can be difficult to keep faith the center of the Christmas season with the bombardment of Christmas shopping, final exams and other holiday worries. However, it is essential to remember the meaning of Christmas in order for us Catholics to get the most out of this season. Here are some tips for keeping Christ at the center of the Christmas season.

1.) Go to Mass:

This may seem ridiculously obvious to some people, but it is important to attend Mass throughout the Advent season. Whether it is Christmas Eve or the morning of, make an effort to get yourself and your family to Mass. I guarantee that it will blow your fuzzy Christmas socks off if you just make time to celebrate the most important sacrament on the day of Christ’s birth. After all, Mass is the best way to say “Happy Birthday Jesus!”

2.) Listen to Some Religious Christmas Music:

Even though I enjoy jamming out to “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey just as much as the next person, be sure to listen to faith-filled Christmas music as well this season. The classic favorites of mine are “O Holy Night” and “Mary, Did You Know?” Whether it is on the Glee Christmas music album or 99.1 Joy FM, these Christmas tunes remind you that Jesus is the reason for this season. Please feel free to combine these tunes into the best Spotify Christmas playlist of the year.

Some Favorite Christmas Songs:

“Breath of Heaven (Mary’s Song)”– by Amy Grant

“Mary, Did You Know?”– by Pentatonix

“The First Noel”– by David Archuleta

“Silent Night”– by Josh Groan

“Ave Maria”– by Michael Bublé

“In the Bleak Midwinter”– by The Moody Blues

“What Child is This”– by Mercy Me

“O Holy Night”– by Perry Como

“Angels We Have Heard on High”– by the Glee cast

“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”– by Carrie Underwood

3.) Understand the Advent Wreath

The evergreen wreath adorned with purple and pink candles on it isn’t a random decoration that sits on the dining room table. It is the symbol of God’s everlasting life and a tool for preparing our hearts for Christ. The four candles represent a different part of Christ’s journey: Hope, Peace, Love and Joy. Make sure to put one of these in your homes this season.

4.) Don’t Worry too Much About the Gifts:

Trust me, your boyfriend or girlfriend does not care how much money you spent on their gift. Neither do your parents or siblings. A wonderful idea is to just be thoughtful! Some photos, a mix tape and a nice letter will suffice for any Christmas gift. Another hint is to not get them coal; that would not be a very good gift. Finally, the best idea of them all is to just give them a bit of time.

5.) Go to Reconciliation:

This sacrament is the only way to fully prepare for the coming of Christ. Christ is coming, but we can not be truly ready for Him if our souls are not pure. Look for your parish’s next confession times and go prepare your heart.

6.) Spend Time With Your Loved Ones

Yes, the constant nagging of relatives asking about future plans, significant others and political opinions can be annoying when we gather for Christmas. However, make sure to cherish this precious time with your family. Throw the phone down and have a great conversation with Grandma to fulfill this season.

It is almost too cheesy to say “Keep Christ in Christmas,” but it’s the only way to fulfill this holiday. Merry Christmas to all and remember to celebrate this holiday with Christ at the center.