7 Holiday Mental Health Tips for Families

The holidays can be a happy time of year for many people, as they gather with family and friends, exchange gifts and celebrate traditions. But the changes in family routines and extra demands on time can also cause some added stress, especially for children and parents.

Here are some tips to help your family enjoy the best of the holiday season:

• During the busy holiday time, try to keep household routines the same. Stick to your child's usual sleep and mealtime schedules when you can, which may reduce stress and help your family enjoy the holidays.
• Take care of yourself, both mentally and physically. Children and adolescents are affected by the emotional well-being of their parents and caregivers. Coping with stress successfully can help children learn how to handle stress better, too.
• Make a plan to focus on one thing at a time. Try a few ideas to balance the hustle and bustle of things like shopping, cooking, and family get-togethers during the holidays: Stop and pay attention to what is happening at the moment, focus your attention on one thing about it, and notice how you are feeling at the time. Withhold immediate judgment, and instead be curious about the experience.
• Give to others by making it an annual holiday tradition to share your time and talents with people who have less than you do. For example, if your child is old enough, encourage him or her to join you in volunteering to serve a holiday meal at your local food bank or shelter, or sing at a local nursing home. Help your child write a letter to members of the armed forces stationed abroad who can't be home with their own family during the holidays.
• Remember that many children and adults experience a sense of loss, sadness or isolation during the holidays. It is important to be sensitive to these feelings​ and ask for help for you, your children, family members or friends if needed.
• Don't feel pressured to over-spend on gifts. Consider making one or two gifts. Help your child make a gift for a parent, grandparent, or other important adults and friends. Chances are, those gifts will be the most treasured ones and will teach your child many important lessons.
• Most important of all, enjoy the holidays for what they are--time to enjoy with your family. So, be a family, do things together like sledding or playing board games, and spend time visiting with relatives, neighbors and friends.

600 Veirs Mill Rd., Rockville, MD 20852

Phone (301) 762-4179

Fax (301) 762-9550

Website

Story of Our Lady of Guadalupe | Miracles of Mary | Episode 01

One early morning, an elderly man named Juan Diego left his house for attending the morning mass. Little did he know that his life was going to changed forever that day. As he walked toward the church, he heard a soothing music coming from Tepeyac Hill. 

600 Veirs Mill Rd., Rockville, MD 20852

Phone (301) 762-4179

Fax (301) 762-9550

Website

Immaculate Conception on an Advent Sunday: When to go to Mass?

This year, the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, which is a holy day of obligation, falls on the Second Sunday of Advent. So, are Catholics obligated to go to Mass twice? The answer is yes.

The solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated each year on Dec. 8. Since this year the solemnity falls on the Second Sunday of Advent, its observance is “transferred” to Monday, Dec. 9, because a Sunday in Advent takes liturgical precedence.

In the past, the obligation to attend Mass on a transferred holy day of obligation was not transferred along with the feast day when it fell on a Monday. Yet the Vatican has directed that the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception will henceforth be observed as a holy day of obligation no matter what day it falls on or is transferred to.

Read more, here.

600 Veirs Mill Rd., Rockville, MD 20852

Phone (301) 762-4179

Fax (301) 762-9550

Website

Advent Season

This week, the first week of Advent, we wait for Jesus with Hope.  Advent is a season of preparation for Jesus to come.  We can do so many things to show that we are getting ready for his arrival.  During this season of Advent, you might make an Advent wreath, light it, and say a special prayer each Sunday as a family.  You might choose to do a kind deed each day for someone who needs your kindness.  You might even make your own advent calendar with special activities for each day of Advent.

The Catholic Advent wreath is a cherished tradition observed during the weeks leading up to Christmas. The Advent wreath serves as a spiritual compass on our journey in preparation for the nativity of our Lord.

It symbolizes hope, peace, joy and love through its four candles, each representing a week leading up to the birth of Christ. Let’s explore the origin of the Advent wreath, the meaning behind the candles and how we can use it to grow in prayer this Advent season.

What Do the Advent Candles Represent?

The hallmark feature of the Advent wreath is the four candles: three purple and one rose-colored. Each represents a special virtue that God prompts us to cultivate during the Advent season.  

The first candle, which is purple, represents hope. It reminds us of the unwavering hope we hold within us as we await the arrival of our savior. The second candle, also purple, signifies peace. It calls us to seek inner peace and also to spread peace to those around us,

The third candle, which is rose-colored, embodies joy. Lit on Gaudete Sunday, it serves as a reminder to rejoice that the coming of Christ is near.  The fourth candle, purple like the first two, represents love. It symbolizes the boundless love of God, which we are called to share with others.

On certain Advent wreaths, particularly those commonly seen in churches, a central white candle known as the Christ candle is sometimes lit on Christmas day, symbolizing the life of Christ.

How to Incorporate Your Advent Wreath Into Prayer This Christmas Season

During Advent, Catholics traditionally light the wreath at the start of their prayers, using it as a focal point for meditation on the season's meaning. Set aside a specific time each week to light the Advent wreath candles and pray, either before or after dinner or as part of your existing prayer routine. Once you have taken a moment to enter into prayer, contemplate the significance of each candle's theme.

You can also incorporate certain Advent wreath prayers during this time, including the Blessing of the Advent Wreath, Advent reflections or that Sunday’s scripture readings.

Learn more, here.

600 Veirs Mill Rd., Rockville, MD 20852

Phone (301) 762-4179

Fax (301) 762-9550

Website