For decades people have debated whether Christmas is primarily about Santa Claus or Baby Jesus. Since our contemporary society is steeped in secularism and commerce, Santa seems to occupy center stage ...

Editor's note: This essay first appeared in Goodness and Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas (Orbis Books 2015), compiled by Soul Seeing editor Michael Leach with James Keane and Doris Goodnough.

Many kids are excited about seeing Santa Claus during the Christmas season — while others become overwhelmed with happiness at the sight of “The Elf on the Shelf.” For two-year-old Emilia Wadgymar, ...

Mary points to Jesus — noticeably so, as we celebrate the patroness of the Americas, Our Lady of Guadalupe, in Advent. This classic story, released again for a new generation of readers, retells the ...

Pilgrims hold up statues of the infant Jesus to be blessed during Pope Leo XIV’s Sunday Angelus address in St. Peter’s Square Dec. 21, 2025. (Credit: Vatican Media.) Listen ROME – Pope Leo XIV Sunday ...

Christmas is one of the most celebrated festivals in the world and its charm comes from the way different traditions blend together. The story of Jesus, the joy of Santa Claus, and the beautiful ...