22 Things That Happen When Your Big Catholic Family Is Together For Christmas

At Thanksgiving dinner, Mom makes everyone thank God for something, and the waiting takes FOREVER because there are so many people that are thankful for so many things.

Putting a bow, reindeer antlers, or a red nose on your airport van.

Older siblings come home for the holidays, and you know the house won't be quiet again until at least January 7th.

Empathizing with Mary and Joseph, who had to squeeze into a small stable with a bunch of animals.

Underscored by the smell of so many people living together.

Especially if most of those people are boys under the age of 15.

Going shopping for the Christmas tree and everyone running to pick out a favorite tree, so there are at least ten options.

The triumph you feel when Dad eventually picks YOUR tree.

Waiting until after you light the advent wreath and sing “Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel” to eat dinner.

And the 3-year-old blowing out the advent candles before the song is done.

Piling into your living room to watch White Christmas.

The look you give your sister when the “Sisters” song comes on and you sing it together, even though you just got into a fight over her stealing the last sugar cookie.

The pile of shoes on the night of December 5th, and getting up early the next morning to see what St. Nicholas got you.

Putting candles on your sister’s head as she serves you breakfast in bed for St. Lucy’s Day, and hoping this doesn’t happen.

Making thousands of Christmas cookies, because you NEED that many.

Walking into Mass in your matching purple (or pink!) outfits and feeling so cool.

The ubiquitous family picture where there is always at least one child sulking, sobbing, or about to throw up.

Getting really emotional when you sing Christmas carols, because all your voices just blend together so prettily and it’s just so lovely, dangit!

Going to Midnight Mass and spending the next day trying not to use each other as pillows.

The ocean of presents under the tree, like this viral picture... but real.

Opening up your new Catholic t-shirt, rosary, or ikon.

Saying goodbye to everyone, but knowing you’ll see them again for an epic, crowded, Christmas next year