Do Celebrate Catholically Christmas with Your Family

Manners

Dos and Don’ts in Photos

Do celebrate a Catholic Christmas with your family

At their home in Montréal de l'Aude, near Carcassonne, Prince Jean d'Orleans, the heir of the Throne of France who holds the title of Count of Paris, and his wife Princess Philomena with their six children follow the family tradition of setting up the Crib and decorating the Christmas tree.

Above, we see the Prince setting up the Crèche. The Princess explains that the program is “unchangeable.” On the first day of December the Prince and his sons carry out the many boxes packed carefully with the santos. Then they put the Bethlehem village houses and countryside cedars in the place of honor that the Crèche scene will have throughout the Christmas season. The Prince personally unpacks the boxes and supervises the assembly.

Below first row, Princess Philomena, assisted by her daughter Antoinette, prepares the Advent wreath with its four candles, which is acquired from the same local florist each year.

She describes their Christmas Eve celebration. It begins around 7 p.m.: In the darkness, illuminated by a few candles, Prince Jean d’Orleans reads the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to St. Luke. Then, Christmas carols are sung and the gifts opened. Afterwards, the Christmas Eve supper, with the same menu served every year. The family then attends midnight Mass.

Maintaining the same customs each year is a way to build stability in the family, as each member looks forward to the familiar traditions and feels himself fulfilled in playing his part in it.

Following family and liturgical customs throughout the year help to develop the personalities and spirit of not only a family, but also a village, a city or a region. Each family, village or city understands itself better through the practice of its customs

Certainly it is good to revive – or, if necessary, to begin – to practice and maintain Catholic customs for Advent, Christmas and the Holy Days of the year.

Do celebrate a Catholic Christmas with your family.

Elaine Jordan