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September 8 is the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (exactly nine months after we celebrate her conception on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception). As it's always nice to make an effort for a loved one celebrating a birthday, we thought we'd share some ideas for you and your family to honor the Blessed Mother on her special day.
While some of these ideas are quick and easy, others might need a little more time and attention. However, whatever you're able to do to celebrate our heavenly mother, she will no doubt be moved by your efforts!
Dress in blue
This is so easy, but nonetheless symbolic. Get your family all dressed in blue in a nod to Our Lady's traditional blue mantle. You can always add a touch of white to represent her purity, too. To make it more meaningful, get your children to pick out their outfits, and they can even select some matching accessories to make it feel like a true party.
Bake a special cake
If you check social media, you can find some very impressive cakes that honor the Virgin Mary. Some go as far as to make beautiful iced figurines that capture her spirit. However, if you're not great with icing, why not make some simple blueberry cupcakes? Or even this lemon blueberry cake, which is simple to bake and decorate, that acknowledges the colors associated with Mary. (In this particular recipe the author uses 10 candles to represent a decade of the Rosary.)
Whatever you do, don't forget to sing a rousing happy birthday to our Blessed Mother, so the whole of heaven can hear!
Buy flowers linked to Mary
Celebrate in style by bringing a bunch of flowers into your home. In this article by Aleteia, you can see the various flowers that are linked to the Virgin Mary. Lilies symbolize purity, innocence and virginity, and as they're normally in season at this time of year they'd be a perfect bloom to choose. There are also roses, periwinkles, irises, and "lady's slippers," if you prefer.
Make a card
If you don't want to buy or pick some flowers. you could always draw or paint some with your children. If you have some real Michelangelos in the family, you could paint them all. You could turn them into cards for Mary, with messages of love inside.
Spend time in prayer
If you're unable to get to church and don't have a prayer corner, you can try and make one. Find a spot and place a flower and/or a holy card or picture, light a candle, and offer up your prayers. With your children, you can encourage them to pray a simple prayer of gratitude to Mary, and if they're big enough, you can say a Rosary together.
Be full of grace
While it's pretty simple to do most of the above activities, it's not always easy to emulate the Virgin Mary. So make the decision to try and adopt Our Lady's virtues, and fill your day with grace and peace. Even if your little ones are making you want to tear your hair out, ponder the question, What would Mary do?
