Advent

As you prepare for for the coming of the Lord, try something new this year:

• Check out the downloadable Advent Family Traditions resource to find a new family tradition: English | Spanish
• Use the USCCB's 2025 Advent Calendar for daily prayer and activity suggestions.

Advent Prayers:

• Blessings for the Advent Wreath, Nativity Scene and Christmas Tree
• Prayer suggestions when you light your Advent wreath: Go to USCCB's daily readings in English and Spanish, and find other suggestions at Dynamic Catholic.
• St. Andrew Christmas Novena (on page 2 of Family Traditions resource).
• The “O Antiphon” prayers start December 17 and go through December 23. These are short prayers to add to your daily Advent wreath prayers.
• Pope Francis's prayer to the Holy Family in English and Spanish
• The Hallow prayer and meditation app for Catholics has its yearly Advent Challenge that many people follow.

Ideas for children:

• Holy Heroes free online Advent Adventure for children ages 5-12, with daily emails with short videos and printable coloring sheets.
• Read Advent books to your children. Click here for suggestions
• Jesse Tree tradition

For Catholic Advent supplies, from Advent wreaths and candles, faith-based Advent calendars (some with chocolate!), and more, click here.

For even more Advent ideas and inspirational Advent videos, go to the Archdiocese of Seattle's Faith Formation Advent resources page:
In English
In Spanish

Hispanic Advent traditions:

December 3-11: Novena to prepare for the celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12

December 12: Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

December 16-24: Posadas. In many parishes, the Hispanic community celebrates the Posadas. “Posadas” is Spanish for “lodging” or “accommodation” and is a traditional celebration of nine days before Christmas, telling the story of Joseph and Mary on their journey looking for a place to stay before their baby Jesus was born. Each day corresponds to one month that Jesus was carried in the womb of the Virgin Mary.

For more Advent resources in Spanish, go to the Archdiocese of Seattle’s Faith Formation Advent page.

Hispanic Advent music:

Here is a list of Hispanic Advent music suggested by the Archdiocese of Seattle's Hispanic Ministry, with links to Spotify. Can also be found on other music platforms:

• Adviento llegó by Unai Quirós, song for children.  https://open.spotify.com/track/0bu6C1E1CzVgKj8mhpaUZg?si=13592a20771e455a
• Adviento by Aprende con Marta.   https://open.spotify.com/album/1t6aUDAVjXrrHHBu0GOL79?si=Vehd4X8DQNWbnflm4jnWQQ
• Ven, Emmanuel by Jésed https://open.spotify.com/track/2IVZ7F5DKViKAOqrLOVApE?si=664d52a3bf7e47aa (this is the same song as in English)
• Adeste Fideles, by Jésed   https://open.spotify.com/track/0p59G5r7WiJfdyLxjboVPS?si=f56a87abbc384690
• Mi alma glorifica al Señor (Magnificat), by Jaime Cortez https://open.spotify.com/track/0wewHJtDV9mAVwvQPuZunk?si=3d2c09e166b1431e