We all know what to do during Advent.  Go to Confession, light the candles, set out the Nativity scene. The secular and sacred converge in our many tasks, writing Christmas cards, decorating the house, and buying gifts to show those we love how much we care.  We have many traditions to help us prepare for the birth of Christ.

After Dec. 25, we're left wondering, how do we dig out of all this clutter and still hold onto the holy reality of these 12 days? The following are ideas to help inspire you on how to continue the joy of this sacred season all 12 days and beyond. 

Dec. 26, going forward: Start the day with Scripture. A Bible a Year or the Halo or Laudate App or a quick visit to the USCCB website will give you the readings for the day and a reflection. 

Dec. 27: Consider going to daily Mass if you have the time off. Alternatively, listening to the daily Mass while commuting to work or dealing with morning tasks will help reframe your mind and heart to the season. 

Dec. 28: When looking at the bills that piled up, consider tallying them, and tithing 10% of what you spent to a charity that honors the feast of the Holy Innocents. The ability to give is a reminder of the blessings we have, and the obligation we hold to those who lack.  We still have time to make room in the inn, and to make the Holy Family in our midst, the families around us, feel welcomed and warm by our love.

Dec. 29: Spend some time in silence.  We've had Christmas songs and movies and activities and bustle.  God came in the quiet of the night.  Set your timer on your phone, and spend 20 minutes of your day just with God, trying to listen and adore. Adoration is a wonderful way to practice this discipline, as we are imitating the shepherds and the kings when we do.       

Dec. 30: Create a tradition in your family --maybe taking everyone to donate something to a local shelter, or a trip to a shrine to pray for all those who need prayers. 

Dec. 31: Introduce your family to films that touch on the reality of our faith. Use movies like The Song of Bernadette, Babette's Feast, The Way, A Lion in Winter, and Les Miserable to start discussions.  Are we living out our faith? If not, then what must we do? 

Which leads us to Jan. 1.  That discussion about what to do, should lead to some sort of reflection and plan of action. Consider making this year a year of giving. Instead of signing up for a gym, sign up to serve at a soup kitchen, or to deliver meals or to bring Communion to the sick.  Walk with someone else as they weather a suffering, so they do not suffer alone. 

Jan. 2: Enlist the help of Heaven. Use the Saint of the Year Generator and find out about each person's saint. Friendship with the citizens of Heaven yield long-term graces we do not yet know we need.

Jan. 3: Fast from something. It doesn't have to be gigantic, but pick a person you know needs spiritual support that cannot be directly offered.  Give up that little something, that "cross of toothpicks" for them.  Each time you crave whatever it is, remember them and pray for God to shower graces on their life.

Jan. 4: It is still Christmas.  It is still part of the 12 days. Mail out those last-minute Christmas cards you forgot, or call those far from you and spend some time reconnecting.  Write a text to your teens, "Love you.  Merry 10th Day of Christmas." They will roll their eyes, but they'll also appreciate getting the note. 

Jan. 5: The feast of the three kings is tomorrow. Today, consider scheduling Confession as part of your making a new start in the new year. Bring your sins to our Lord, giving Him the great joy of restoring you to good spiritual health and being your Savior.

Jan. 6: Today is the Feast of the Epiphany.
Hold a feast for your family, and read the readings as part of your evening grace. Remember the names of the three Kings, Gaspar (or Caspar), Melchior and Balthasar and consider writing them over a doorway with the year to remind you to always be searching for Christ in every encounter. Keep Christmas in your heart the whole year, so that everyone who meets you feels the reality of that joy.

 Merry Christmas!  

(Sherry Antonetti, the author of The Book of Helen, is a freelancer and Catholic blogger  @Patheos/Chocolate for Your Brain!)