If you have ever wondered where some of our most treasured Christmas traditions originated, you’ll be surprised to learn that many of them, including the Christmas tree and even Santa Claus, began from Catholic roots. Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he shares some stories about the traditions of Christmas.

As Fr. Chris Alar explains, the evening we now call Halloween began not as a pagan ritual, but as a sacred Christian vigil—All Hallows’ Eve, the holy night before the solemnity of All Saints’ Day. This feast, instituted in the 700s, has always been a time to honor the saints and pray for the faithful departed. The Church’s ancient practice of vigils reflected the truth that holy days begin at sundown, anticipating the joy of what is to come.

Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he breaks open the powerful meaning of Baptism and answers the common question, "Why do we baptize infants?" This teaching is part of Fr.