This Catholic Update is jam-packed with practical, creative ways for families to celebrate the Advent season and bring a much-needed spiritual dimension to the hectic weeks before Christmas. Activities include: the Advent Wreath, the Advent Calendar, the Advent Chain, and the Nativity Scene including "A Family Prayer Before the Manger." The authors include a full-page "Day by Day Through Advent" which lists "special days that help us focus on God's love as we journey toward Christmas" describing such important feasts and remembrances as St. Nicholas, the Immaculate Conception, Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Martyrs of El Salvador and more.