Celebrating the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (January 1)

As the calendar turns to a new year, Catholics around the world celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, on January 1. This beautiful feast day offers an opportunity to honor Our Lady as the Theotokos (God-bearer) and reflect on her role in salvation history. Here are creative and meaningful ways to celebrate this special day with your family or parish community.

1. Prayer and Reflection

Go to Mass: What better way to start off the New Year? Not only that, being that this is a Solemnity, it is also a Holy Day of Obligation. Be sure to fulfill your obligation on this day
Visit the Marian Altar: Go and light a candle at the votives at the Marian altar today. Ask Mary for special protection over the new year.
Rosary Prayer: Begin the new year by praying the rosary as a family, dedicating it to Mary’s intercession for your intentions.

2. Crafts and Activities

Engage your family with hands-on crafts and activities to bring Marian themes to life:

We offer a coloring page and Under Mary’s Mantle Craft where kids can add stars to an illustration of Mary with her arms open representing her mantle of protection. It’s a great way to remind children of her protective love.

3. Host a Marian-Themed New Year’s Party

Make your celebration joyful and centered on Our Lady:

Decorations: Use golden stars, blue and white accents, and a “Theotokos” banner (download a free printable!) to create a Marian atmosphere.
Candlelight Reflection: Light a blue candle and reflect on Mary’s role in your family’s faith journey. Share intentions for the new year.
Sing Marian Hymns: Include “Sub Tuum Praesidium,” “Ave Maria,” or “Hail Holy Queen” in your gathering.

Sub Tuum Praesidium

This ancient hymn, one of the earliest references to Mary as the Theotokos, is a perfect prayer to include in your celebration:

We fly to thy patronage, O Holy Mother of God; Despise not our petitions in our necessities, But deliver us always from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin.

4. Snacks and Treats

Make your celebration extra special with Marian-themed snacks:

Sweet Treats:

Angel Food Cake Squares: Cut into bite-sized pieces and serve with a drizzle of blue icing.
Marian Marshmallow Clouds: Dip large marshmallows in white chocolate, then sprinkle with blue and gold edible glitter.
Hail Mary Berry Cups: Combine blueberries, raspberries, and white chocolate chips (or whipped cream) in small cups to echo Marian colors (blue, red for love, and white for purity)

Savory Options:

Breadsticks or bread rolls: Mary bore the Bread of Life, Jesus Christ. Enjoy bread that ties into this theme.
Crown of Heaven Cheese Platter: Arrange a circular platter of golden crackers, cheese, and fruit to resemble a crown.
Golden Stars Quesadillas: Star-shaped tortillas filled with melted cheese and toasted until golden.
Mary’s Blue Deviled Eggs: Blue-tinted egg whites filled with a classic yolk mixture.
Theotokos Crescent Rolls: Crescent rolls stuffed with cream cheese and spinach, symbolizing the crescent moon often associated with Mary.

Beverages:

Magnificat Mocktail: Mix blue fruit punch with lemon-lime soda and garnish with lemon slices.
Marian Milk: Serve blue-tinted milk with gold sugar-rimmed glasses.
Marian Tea: Butterfly pea tea is a black tea with a beautiful blue color to it. Add cream and it turns a beautiful light blue. Enjoy it sweet, like Mary.

5. Service Activity

Honor Mary’s motherly care by creating a charity basket. Collect items for new mothers or families in need and donate them to a local pregnancy center, shelter, or parish ministry.

Celebrating the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, offers a profound way to start the new year by honoring Our Lady’s role in salvation history and seeking her intercession for the year ahead. Whether through prayer, crafts, joyful gatherings, or acts of service, this feast reminds us of Mary’s maternal care and her constant guidance in leading us closer to her Son. By incorporating these traditions into your celebration, you can deepen your family’s connection to Mary and begin the year with faith, hope, and love firmly at the center. May Our Lady bless you and your family in the coming year!