Mary on the Mantel
From Be A Heart! Join Mary as she bustles around the house, preparing her heart and her home for the arrival of her Son this Christmas season. Each day, Mary will share part of her story, give kids a kindness challenge to complete, and lead listeners in prayer for the Advent season. To follow along with your very own Mary doll, check out Be A Heart's official kit: https://beaheart.com/collections/mary-on-the-mantel
22 sessions
1Day 1: Mary and the Advent WreathMary admires the Advent Wreath and explains the Advent season and the symbolism of the candles. Monday, Dec 4
2Day 2: Mary Reads the BibleMary reads the Bible and tells children the story of Original Sin and God's promise to send a Savior.Tuesday, Dec 5
3Day 3: Mary helps St. NickMary peeks at the children's shoes to see if St. Nick left any treats and explains that we give gifts at Christmas because God has already given us the greatest gift: Jesus!Wednesday, Dec 6
4Day 4: Mary Takes a NapMary lays down to rest her tired body; while she rests, she tells children the story of the Annunciation.Thursday, Dec 7
5Day 5: Mary Makes a Baby BlanketMary holds a small blanket on her lap and tells children about the feast we celebrate today: her Immaculate Conception.Friday, Dec 8
6Day 6: Mary Cooks a MealMary is busy with cooking utensils preparing some food; as she cooks, she tells children about how God nourishes us and gives us the gift of the Eucharist.Saturday, Dec 9
7Day 7: Mary Hangs the StockingsMary helps decorate the home for Christmas and talks about how we can decorate our hearts for Christ too.Sunday, Dec 10
8Day 8: Mary Decorates the TreeMary hangs ornaments on the tree and explains the idea of a Jesse Tree and her ancestors in faith who helped pave the way for Christ.Monday, Dec 11
9Day 9: Mary Wraps a PresentMary helps wrap the presents for Christmas and explains how we can give presents to Jesus too.Tuesday, Dec 12
10Day 10: Mary Writes to ElizabethMary writes a letter to Elizabeth and shares the story of John the Baptist's birth and her visit to Elizabeth after the Annunciation.Wednesday, Dec 13
11Day 11: Mary Sings the MagnificatMary talks about how God's love and joy often moves us to song and then invites children to sing the Magnificat with her. Thursday, Dec 14
12Day 12: Mary Takes a BathMary explains how St. Joseph responded to the news of her pregnancy and how he faithfully followed God by becoming Jesus' foster father.Friday, Dec 15
13Day 13: Mary Drinks A Cup of TeaAs Mary makes herself some tea, she talks about the importance of sitting still and spending quiet time with God.Saturday, Dec 16
14Day 14: Mary Tidies ToysMary helps clean up the toys and invites children to choose toys they no longer play with to share with children in need.Sunday, Dec 17
15Day 15: Mary Does ChoresAs Mary sweeps, dusts, and cleans, she explains how chores can also be an opportunity for gratitude and showing our love for others.Monday, Dec 18
16Day 16: Mary Mails Christmas CardsMary makes a Christmas card to send to her parents, Sts. Anne and Joachim, and tells children about her family taught her to love God and pray to Him with the words of the Shema.Tuesday, Dec 19
17Day 17: Mary Feels Jesus KickingMary caresses her belly as she feels Jesus wiggling; she explains how sometimes you have to pay close attention to notice baby kicks and compares it to how we can pay attention to feel the Holy Spirit moving in our lives.Wednesday, Dec 20
18Day 18: Mary Hears About the CensusMary receives a letter about the census and realizes that this was also part of God's plan to have the Savior born in Bethlehem.Thursday, Dec 21
19Day 19: Mary Plans Her TripMary practices letting go of worry and trusting in God as she looks at a map and plans her route to Bethlehem.Friday, Dec 22
20Day 20: Mary Packs a SuitcaseMary packs for her trip to Bethlehem and thinks about how we often need to pack things like patience, love, or other virtues to bring with us when life gets challenging.Saturday, Dec 23
21Day 21: Mary Rides a DonkeyMary realizes that Jesus is about to be born as they draw near to Bethlehem; she reflects on all the ways her body has made room for Christ over the last many months and invites children to make room in their hearts for Jesus to be born too.Sunday, Dec 24
22Day 22: Mary Welcomes Baby JesusMary tells the story of Christ's birth and adores her newborn son, Jesus. She asks children to sit with her and admire the newborn king this Christmas Day.Monday, Dec 25