The stores are bedecked in Christmas decorations, and I hear tell there is Christmas music playing on the radio, though I refuse to partake of it just yet.
Even so, it’s not too early to think of Christmas gift-giving , and Advent is just around the corner!
For Adults
*Gaze Upon Jesus: Experiencing Christ’s Childhood through the Eyes of Women edited by Kelly M. Wahlquist
This is the perfect tool for a Christian woman’s Advent study – either individually or in a group. In six sections examining six virtues, the reader meditates on a separate event (i.e, the Annunciation, the Visitation) starting with scripture but including analysis, a fictional story to bring the events to life, reflection, group questions, and the study of sacred art. The addition of the artwork and Stephanie Landsem’s wonderful storytelling set this apart from other studies. Useful any time of year, but most fruitful for the Advent season.
*Drinking with Saint Nick: Christmas Cocktails for Saints and Sinners by Michael P. Foley
This beautiful hardcover book includes beer and wine recommendations and dozens of cocktail recipes for Advent through Candlemas. Pick and choose among drink suggestions made according to the calendar, the twelve days of Christmas, the Golden Nights, and more. With each entry, learn more about the saints, the liturgical calendar, and Church history. Makes a lovely gift!
Ornamental Graces by Carolyn Astfalk
My contemporary Catholic romance with pro-life themes includes three Christmas seasons in a story of forgiveness, mercy, and second chances. Alongside the on again/off again romance of Dan and Emily set in Pittsburgh, there is busily baking grandma, a romanticized France (if not a French romance), and a hint of lilac. A past full of regrets and veering off patch give way to a hope-filled future. (Also available on audiobook.)
For Young People
Saint Rudolph and the Reindeer: A Christmas Story by Susan Peek, Illustrated by Anne Peek
This picture book has more depth than your average children’s Christmas book. Discover how a young reindeer without a name crosses paths with a saintly bishop and a holy monk. The result is a warm and tender story of Christian charity and everyone’s favorite reindeer. Lovingly written and illustrated for fireside Christmas nights cuddled on the couch.
Margaret’s Night in St. Peter’s (A Christmas Story) by Jon M. Sweeney, Illustrated by Roy DeLeon
The second book in The Pope’s Cat Series centers on Christmas in the Vatican. In this short, illustrated chapter book, Margaret, the pope’s cat, is privy to the Christmas hubbub at the Vatican, including Midnight Mass and the Pope’s annual Urbi et Orbi message.
Margaret also gets a cat’s eye view of a Vatican tour, including Michelangelo’s Pietà and a statue of Saint Peter. There are lots of opportunities for children to absorb Vatican culture. I stopped to explain to my seven-year-old what a cardinal was and talk about where else she has seen the Pietà statue.
Secrets: Visible & Invisible by Catholic Teen Books authors
Tweens and teens can be hard to buy for compared to younger children. This collection of short stories has a little something for everyone with stories that appeal to boys and girls. It includes a variety of genres (mystery, dystopian, contemporary, historical, saint story) by seven different authors (myself included). It’s a great introduction to Catholic fiction and to a variety of authors.
Special for Moms & Daughters
Side by Side: A Catholic Mother-Daughter Journal by Lori Ubowski and Ava Ubowski
This fun, illustrated journal for Catholic moms and a tween or young teenage daughter would make a wonderful gift! By completing the journal, together mother and daughter learn more about their faith (through saints and scripture) and each other (through insightful questions and fun activities).
I’m currently working through the journal with my own daughter, and we’re both enjoying our special time together. My daughter loves the hand drawings and splashes of color, and it’s presented in a way that is light and fun. When it’s complete, not only will we (I hope) increase our faith and deepened our relationship, but we will be able to treasure this shared journal for many years to come!
7 Catholic Books For Christmas Including 2 You Should Get NOW, Before Advent #ChristmasReads Click To Tweet*Recommended in time for Advent
Do you have some Catholic book Christmas or Advent giving recommendations to share?
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