Sarah Mitchell
There are very few official rules about decorating Catholic churches for Christmas, and customs differ throughout the world. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued guidelines stating that decorations should be proportional to the space and draw people to the mystery of the celebration, rather than being ends in themselves. The bishops also recommend that floral decorations and music be used in moderation during Advent, and that the liturgical colour for Advent is purple. Some Catholic churches keep their decorations to a minimum during Advent, adding them on Christmas Eve to respect the integrity of the season.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Timing of decorations | Some sources suggest decorating in stages, with simple decorations first, then adding to these on Christmas Eve. |
| Official rules | There are very few official rules about decorating churches. |
| Unofficial guidance | Unofficial guidance includes the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), which advises "Moderation should be observed in the decoration of the altar." |
| Types of decorations | Decorations should be religiously themed, leaving secular decorations in the parish hall for children's events. |
| Specific examples | Traditional objects such as Advent wreaths, Christmas cribs, and poinsettias should be proportional to the space. |
| Location of decorations | Christmas trees are preferably located outside the sanctuary and church proper, in vestibules or on church grounds. |
| Timing of removal | Decorations should remain throughout the whole liturgical season of Christmas. |
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What You'll Learn
The use of Christmas trees
The Christmas tree is a symbol that is not exclusive to Christianity, and its use during the holiday season has been debated by Catholic leaders. Some argue that the Christmas tree has lost its original religious meaning and can easily evoke the more material and commercial aspects of the holiday. However, others defend its use, stating that it can be a symbol of Christian values and the religious significance of salvation brought by the Son of God.
In terms of placement, it is generally recommended that Christmas trees be located outside the sanctuary and church proper, preferably in vestibules or on church grounds. This practice has been observed in St. Peter's Square since the time of Pope John Paul II. Pope Paul VI also contributed to this tradition by setting up a massive Christmas tree beside the grand crib in St. Peter's Square, with each tree being a gift from a different nation.
The timing of when to set up and take down Christmas trees is also a consideration for Catholic churches. Some families and parishes choose to put up their trees on Christmas Eve to respect the season of Advent as a time of quiet and penitential preparation for the coming of Christ. Others may opt for earlier dates, such as Gaudete Sunday during the third week of Advent, or December 17, one week before Christmas Eve, when the church starts praying the "O antiphons".
While there are no strict rules, these guidelines help Catholic churches navigate the use of Christmas trees while maintaining the integrity of the Advent season and respecting the religious significance of the tree within the Christian faith.
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Advent wreaths and other greenery
Catholic churches are known to decorate sparingly for Christmas, with Advent wreaths and some greenery or white lights. The liturgical colour for Advent is purple, and this is reflected in the Advent wreaths and vestments. The use of purple expresses the restrained manner of decorating the church and altar during Advent.
Advent wreaths are traditionally placed on the first Sunday of Advent, marking the beginning of the liturgical season of Christmas. The wreaths are often accompanied by greenery, such as pine garlands, and white lights, creating a simple yet meaningful display.
The use of living flowers and plants is preferred over artificial greenery in Catholic churches. Floral decorations should be marked by moderation and proportional to the space. This aligns with the guidance provided by the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM), which specifies that "moderation should be observed in the decoration of the altar."
In addition to Advent wreaths, Catholic churches may also display Christmas cribs or crèches. These are typically set up on Christmas Eve or earlier in the month of December, depending on local customs and traditions. The size of the crib or crèche should be appropriate to the space it occupies, ensuring that it does not detract from the altar or the sacred mysteries celebrated on it.
While there are few official rules regarding the decoration of Catholic churches, common sense and respect for the congregation are key guiding principles. The decorations are meant to draw people to the true nature of the mystery being celebrated and enhance the sense of reverence and wonder during the liturgical season of Christmas.
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Timing of decorations
There are no strict rules regarding the timing of Christmas decorations in Catholic churches. However, it is recommended that decorations remain throughout the entire liturgical season of Christmas. The liturgical season of Christmas ends with the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which falls in early to mid-January.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Catholic churches often keep their decorations to a minimum, focusing on Advent wreaths, greenery, and white lights. Some parishes may also use purple altar cloths and pine garlands during Advent, as the liturgical colour for Advent is purple.
The preparations for receiving the Christ Child intensify from December 17 onwards, and this is considered a good time to set up the parish crib, except for the image of the child, which may be added before Midnight Mass. Some parishes prefer to set up the crib on Christmas Eve, along with other decorations such as Christmas trees.
While there are no official rules, it is recommended that Christmas trees be located outside the sanctuary and church proper, in vestibules or on church grounds. This is to maintain the religious significance of the tree and avoid evoking the commercial aspect of the season.
Some Catholic families may choose to put up their Christmas trees and simple decorations earlier in the season and then add to them on Christmas Eve. Ultimately, the timing and style of decorations may vary depending on local traditions and preferences.
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The role of lights
In terms of the liturgical calendar, the use of lights in Catholic churches during Christmas time serves a specific purpose. The liturgical colour for Advent is purple, which is also the colour for Lent, as both seasons are marked by penance and preparation for the great feast days. The restrained manner of decorating the church and altar during Advent is reflected in the use of white lights, which offer a simple and elegant way to mark the season without overwhelming the space.
White lights are often chosen for their ability to bridge the secular and religious celebrations of Christmas. While the world outside the church may be filled with colourful, flashing lights and vibrant displays, the use of white lights in Catholic churches creates a sense of calm and reflection. This can be especially meaningful during the busy and often frantic Christmas season, where a simple lighting display can offer a moment of peace and solemnity.
The use of lights in Catholic church Christmas decorations is also influenced by the guidelines provided by the Church. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) offers wisdom on the decoration of the altar, emphasising moderation. Lights, therefore, can be used to enhance the beauty of the altar without overwhelming it, creating a sense of elegance and simplicity that aligns with the spirit of the season.
Overall, the role of lights in Catholic church Christmas decorations is a significant one, offering a way to mark the season, bridge the secular and religious, and enhance the beauty of the sacred space while adhering to the guidelines provided by the Church.
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Appropriate scale of decorations
Catholic churches are advised to observe moderation in their Christmas decorations, with the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) specifically addressing floral decorations and the altar. The GIRM advises that "moderation should be observed in the decoration of the altar", and floral decorations should be "marked by a moderation". The liturgical colour for Advent is purple, and the restrained manner of decorating the church and altar during this time is in keeping with the penitential dimension of the season.
While there are few official rules regarding the decoration of Catholic churches, common sense and respect for the congregation should guide all decisions. The United States bishops have prepared a document, "Built of Living Stones," which provides reflections on ecclesiastical architecture, art, and decorations for liturgical seasons. The document states that decorations should "draw people to the true nature of the mystery being celebrated rather than being ends in themselves." It also notes that Christmas crèches should be a size appropriate to the space they occupy, ensuring that they do not detract from the altar or the sacred mysteries celebrated on it.
Traditional objects such as Advent wreaths, Christmas trees, and cribs should be proportional to the space. Christmas trees are preferably located outside the sanctuary and church proper, such as in vestibules or on church grounds. This practice has been observed in St. Peter's Square since the time of Pope John Paul II. Within the church proper, traditional elements such as poinsettias, holly, and other culturally appropriate items may be used to evoke the Christmas season.
Decorations should be religiously themed, with secular items like plastic reindeer, sugar canes, and Santa Clauses best left for local shopping malls or parish hall children's events. The use of living flowers and plants is preferred over artificial greenery, and banners without words are considered most effective. Overall, the aim is to create a sense of noble simplicity with elegance, quality, and appropriateness.
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Frequently asked questions
Catholic churches typically decorate with Advent wreaths, greenery, white lights, and poinsettias. Some churches also put up Christmas trees, though these are usually located outside the sanctuary and church proper, in vestibules or on church grounds.
There are very few official rules regarding the decoration of Catholic churches for Christmas. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops recommends that floral decorations and the use of musical instruments be marked by moderation during Advent. The bishops have also published a document titled "Built of Living Stones" that provides reflections on ecclesiastical architecture and art, as well as decorations for liturgical seasons. The document states that decorations should "draw people to the true nature of the mystery being celebrated rather than being ends in themselves."
There is no definitive answer to this question, as customs surrounding the celebration of Christmas vary widely among different cultures. Some parishes put up Christmas decorations on Christmas Eve, while others may start decorating earlier in December. Some Catholic families may also choose to put up and take down their Christmas decorations at home according to the liturgical season of Christmas, which ends with the movable feast of the Baptism of the Lord in early to mid-January.
