The days leading up to Christmas are a blur of to-do lists scribbled on sticky notes, Amazon packages arriving at odd hours, and gifts yet to be wrapped. It's easy for December to feel more like a chaotic sprint than a peaceful journey to Bethlehem.
As a mom, I know the pressure to create a “perfect Christmas.” But somewhere between decorating the tree and tackling the next laundry mountain, I feel that tug on my heart reminding me: Slow down. He’s coming.
Advent is a gift, a quiet invitation amidst the noise. In these weeks, I try to carve out small moments to prepare not just the house but my heart. Sometimes it’s whispering a Hail Mary while stirring the sauce or carving out time for our nightly readings from the gospel of Luke, no matter how far past bedtime it might be. Even on the loudest days, we must ask ourselves: “Am I making room for Him?”
It’s easy to miss the manger when our lives are so full. Yet Christ was born not into perfection, but into poverty and simplicity— into a world much like mine, messy and in need of saving.
This Christmas, I don’t need to orchestrate the perfect holiday. My job is to bring my family, and my heart, to Him.
So, fellow parents, let’s give ourselves grace. It’s okay if the cookies burn or the nativity scene is missing a wise man (one of ours is missing a head). What matters is this: we are making space for Christ, one small, beautiful effort at a time. Because in that humble manger, Love Himself is waiting for us.
“Let every heart prepare Him room.” This Advent, may our imperfect preparations be enough.
They are... because He is.
By Andrea DePaola
Visit and bookmark NorwichDiocese.org/Advent for additional resources this Advent season.