The Novena of Aguinaldos is one of the most deeply rooted religious traditions in the Hispanic world, especially in Latin American countries with Spanish and French heritage. For nine days, from December 16 to 24, thousands of families gather around the Nativity scene to prepare spiritually for Christmas through prayers, songs, and fellowship.
Although the custom is deeply rooted in Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela, its origins are linked to medieval Christian devotion in Spain and France , from where it spread to the Americas with colonization. Today, it remains alive in both parishes and homes, and the sixth day of the novena , usually celebrated on December 21st, holds a special place, combining biblical reflection, communal prayer, and traditional songs.
What is the Novena of Aguinaldos and why is it prayed for nine days?
In Catholic spirituality, the word novena refers to a cycle of prayers distributed over nine consecutive days. In the case of Christmas, this period symbolically recalls the nine months of the Virgin Mary's pregnancy , making each day a step closer to the celebration of Jesus' birth.
The practice of praying a novena before important holidays has its roots in medieval Europe , where preparatory prayers spread around feasts such as the Epiphany or Advent itself. With the arrival of missionaries in the Americas, these practices were adapted to local realities and eventually crystallized into the current Christmas Novena, which today blends popular piety, music, and family life.
In much of Latin America, and most visibly in Colombia, the novena becomes a true community ritual : families organize who will read the prayers, distribute the traditional hymns, choose the carols, and prepare sweets and typical dishes to share after the prayers. Far from being a rigid ceremony, many families incorporate small variations while always maintaining a common basic order.
This general schedule usually includes: a prayer for each day, a specific reflection for each day, hymns to the Christ Child, a prayer to the Virgin Mary, a prayer to Saint Joseph, a prayer to the Christ Child, and, to conclude, one or more Christmas carols. All of this is observed in front of the Nativity scene , often accompanied by a Christmas tree and lights that enhance the festive atmosphere.
Origin and meaning of the Christmas bonus in this devotion
A distinctive feature of this tradition is the aguinaldo , a term derived from Celtic ( eguinad ) and Latin ( strenae ) roots, historically associated with a New Year's gift . In the context of the novena, the aguinaldo takes the form of small gifts, sweets, and traditional dishes given to those participating in the prayer.
In many homes , custard, fritters , and other desserts or snacks are offered after prayers, reinforcing the spirit of generosity and fellowship that accompanies Advent and Christmas. Although prayer is the core of the season, these culinary and communal touches allow children, young people, and adults to feel personally involved.
While in countries like Colombia the Christmas Novena has become a central element of the cultural calendar, in other places its celebration is more discreet or limited to the parish setting. Despite these differences, the profound meaning remains: to prepare our hearts for the arrival of the Christ Child through shared prayer.
The Christmas bonus is not just a material gift. It is also understood as the spiritual gift that each person offers: quality time with family, reconciliations, acts of service, and ultimately, everything that embodies the Gospel message of Christmas.
Schedule of the Novena and location of Day 6
The temporal structure of this devotion is very clear: the Christmas Novena is prayed from December 16th to 24th . Each date marks a specific stage in the preparation for Christmas Eve, with texts and reflections that progressively lead up to the birth of Jesus.
In this context, the 6th Day usually coincides with December 21st . By then, the community has already internalized the rhythm of the novena: the order is known, the readings are distributed, and the singing flows naturally. It is a time when the Christmas routine begins to accelerate, so this day becomes a pause to refocus on what is essential.
According to the tradition passed down through various devotional texts, the novena as a whole commemorates Mary's nine months of waiting. On Day 6, that waiting is very close to its conclusion: the scene focuses on the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem and on Joseph and Mary's unwavering trust in the face of adversity.
Many guides distributed in parishes or media outlets emphasize that there is no set time for prayer. What is important is that the family or group gathers with sincere intention , whether in the afternoon after work, at night, or at a time that best suits each individual.
Basic order of the Novena and structure of Day 6
Although each household may add its own nuances, the order of the Christmas Novena generally follows a fairly uniform pattern. For all the days, and especially for the sixth, a sequence of prayers and songs is repeated , helping to maintain the unity of the celebration.
A very common way to organize the novena, which is useful for those who are starting out or want to have everything organized, is the following:
- Prayer for every day, common to all nine days.
- Consideration of the day, with the corresponding passage or reflection (in this case, the journey to Bethlehem).
- Joys to the Child Jesus, interspersing the traditional refrain.
- Prayer to the Virgin Mary, focused on her humility and her role as a mother.
- Prayer to Saint Josephrecognizing his mission as guardian of Jesus and Mary.
- Prayer to the Child Jesus, inspired by the promise of her childhood.
- Christmas carols and final song, chosen by the group.
In many homes, it's recommended to divide the tasks so that children, young people, and adults can actively participate: one person reads the reflection, others lead the hymns of joy, and everyone responds together. This way of praying makes the novena not a passive act, but a truly shared experience.
Prayer for every day: the common basis of the novena
The starting point for each day is a prayer that remains the same from the first to the ninth day. In it, God's infinite love for humanity is acknowledged, as demonstrated by his sending his Son into the world, made man in the womb of the Virgin and born in a manger.
This prayer emphasizes the poverty and humility of the Child Jesus, traits offered as a model for daily life: it asks us to learn to value simplicity, to let go of what is superfluous, and to live with a heart open to Christ finding a dwelling place in each person. Traditionally, at the end of the text, it is suggested to pray the Glory Be or the Hail Mary several times, depending on the version of the prayer book used.
Beyond the nuances of language—some editions modernize the old Castilian and others preserve the classical style—the central message is the same: to give thanks for the “sovereign benefit” of the Incarnation and to ask for the grace of a humble heart ablaze with love.
In many families, someone reads the daily prayer aloud, while the rest follow along with their booklets or from their mobile phones , where it is increasingly common to find the novena in digital format or as a downloadable PDF.
Intention and consideration for Day 6: the journey to Bethlehem
The reflection for Day 6 of the Christmas Novena focuses on a key moment in the Gospel narrative: Joseph and Mary's journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem of Judea, the city of David . According to devotional texts, Jesus was conceived in Nazareth and, humanly speaking, it would have been logical for him to be born there.
However, tradition recalls that the prophecies foretold the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem. For this prophecy to be fulfilled, God used a political event seemingly unrelated to the plan of salvation: Emperor Augustus's decree that all subjects of the Roman Empire register in their place of origin . As descendants of the House of David, Joseph and Mary were obliged to travel to Bethlehem.
The devotional texts emphasize that neither Mary's advanced pregnancy nor Joseph's daily need for work exempted them from undertaking a long and arduous journey during a cold and uncomfortable time of year. This passage is intended as an invitation to contemplate the Holy Family's complete trust in God's Providence.
Addressing those who are called “inner souls,” the text encourages those who pray to learn from this behavior of the Divine Child: whoever sincerely surrenders to God no longer belongs entirely to themselves, but seeks to embrace the divine will even when it involves changes of location, renunciations, or difficult decisions. The saints are presented as examples of this fidelity that renounces one's own will in order to be guided.
The virtue of simplicity on the sixth day
Along with the account of the journey to Bethlehem, many versions of Day 6 include a reflection on simplicity , presented as the virtue of great souls and truly noble people. This virtue is rooted in the example of Mary of Nazareth , who in the Magnificat proclaims the joy of knowing herself to be seen in her humility.
The texts encourage us to use the Christmas season to rid our hearts of pride and arrogance , reminding us that few things create distance from others as much as conceit. On the contrary, simplicity fosters closeness, forgiveness, and family togetherness—all essential pillars of this time of year.
It is also emphasized that love can only dwell in humble hearts , those that recognize their limitations and are capable of asking for and granting forgiveness. The image of a God who “emptied himself and took the form of a servant” is cited, encouraging us to imitate this attitude in daily life.
This line of thought concludes by emphasizing that “true greatness lies in smallness” and warning that pride ultimately destroys love . For many families, these thoughts serve as a starting point for openly discussing everyday situations, apologizing, or renewing commitments to mutual respect.
Prayer to the Virgin Mary on Day 6
After this reflection, the prayer addressed to the Blessed Virgin Mary , common to each day of the novena, is recited . In it, it is acknowledged that, because of her great virtues and especially her humility, she was chosen as the mother of the Son of God. It is requested that she herself prepare the souls of the participants for the spiritual birth of Jesus.
The prayer asks us to receive some of the devotion and tenderness with which Mary awaited the Child, so that we may be less unworthy to contemplate, love, and adore Him for all eternity. According to tradition, at the end of this prayer, it is recommended to recite the Hail Mary several times , the number of which may vary depending on the prayer book or guide being used.
Some versions use more classical language (“you,” “you deserved,” “beloved son”), while others opt for a more modern formulation (“you,” “you deserved,” “your beloved Son”). In both cases, the core theme is Mary’s intercession to prepare hearts for Christmas.
In many homes it is customary for this prayer to be recited by someone with special devotion to the Virgin, and for the children to attentively join in the repetitions of the Hail Mary, thus learning the traditional formulas by heart.
Prayer to Saint Joseph: Guardian of the Holy Family
The following prayer for Day 6 is addressed to Saint Joseph , presented as the husband of Mary and the adoptive father of Jesus. The text expresses gratitude for his being chosen for “such high ministries” and acknowledges the greatness of the gifts with which he was endowed to carry out this discreet yet crucial mission.
Specifically, she is asked, through the love she had for the Divine Child, to ignite in the faithful a fervent desire to see and receive Jesus , especially in the Eucharist. At the end, devotional books usually instruct the faithful to recite an Our Father, a Hail Mary, and a Glory Be , thus maintaining the classic structure of Catholic prayers.
This part of the novena helps us contemplate Joseph's role as protector and guide , a figure close to those who live their faith as a family, work daily, or face work and economic worries, like those he himself endured during the journey to Bethlehem and his stay in the city of David.
It is not uncommon that, following this prayer, a brief mention is made of the current reality of families , inviting prayers for those going through difficulties, for those who are far from home, or for those who need stability and peace in their homes.
Prayer to the Child Jesus: trusting in the merits of his childhood
One of the most significant moments of the 6th is the prayer to the Child Jesus , inspired by words attributed to Jesus and spoken to the Venerable Margaret of the Blessed Sacrament. In these words, it is promised that whatever is asked through the merits of his childhood will not be denied , which has given this prayer a very special place in popular devotion.
Those who pray present themselves before the Child, trusting that He is Truth itself, and lay bare their own wretchedness, asking for His help to lead a holy life and attain eternal happiness. They also implore Him for the specific grace each one needs, relying on the infinite merits of His childhood and surrendering themselves to Him with the certainty that their hope will not be disappointed.
This part of the novena often creates a more profound atmosphere of silence, as many people take the opportunity to make personal petitions for their family, health, work, or difficult situations. Often, after the reading of the prayer, a moment of reflection is observed before continuing with the joyful hymns.
The emphasis on the mercy of the Child Jesus and his closeness to "burdened and suffering" humanity connects this devotion to the daily lives of those who pray it, reminding us that Christmas is not just an aesthetic celebration, but a message of comfort and hope for those going through difficulties.
The joys of Day 6: musical heart of the novena
At this point, attention shifts to the hymns to the Christ Child , perhaps the most popular and well-known part of the Christmas Novena. These are poetic stanzas that alternate with a sung refrain, usually the famous "Come, come, come, come to our souls... Jesus come... do not delay so long...".
Each joy presents a distinct title or invocation : Supreme Wisdom, Mighty Adonai, Sacred Root, Key of David, Light of the East, Spotless Mirror, King of Nations, Opening of the Heavens, Preparation of Mary and Joseph, Help of the Weak, Comforter of the Sorrowful, and Awaited Savior. These images condense, in poetic language, a significant part of the theology of the Incarnation.
In many novenas, after each verse the refrain is repeated or a short song is sung , such as the well-known "Sweet Jesus, my beloved Child, come to our souls, come do not delay so long," or some version of "Come, come, come" adapted to the participating group.
Although the text of the hymns is virtually the same everywhere, varied melodies and rhythms have developed , ranging from very traditional versions to more modern adaptations. This allows both children and adults to easily learn them and sing them from memory.
Christmas carols to accompany the sixth day
Once the traditional Christmas carols are finished, they begin , completing the festive atmosphere. Depending on the country and region, different songs are recommended; in many Colombian homes, songs like "Hacia Belén va una burra" (A Donkey Goes to Bethlehem) or carols of Spanish origin like "Campana sobre campana" ( Bell Over Bell) , which are also very popular in Europe, are sung.
These songs are usually interspersed at the beginning of the novena, between the hymns of joy, or at the end, just before sharing food or sweets. The aim is for the celebration not to be limited to readings, but to include moments of shared joy in which everyone can participate with clapping, simple instruments, or spontaneous gestures.
Furthermore, in many communities, the Christmas carol “Antón tiruriruriru” is incorporated , with its characteristic refrain and verses that invite us to adore the Child in the manger. Lyrics such as “Sleep, little child, for night is coming” help introduce the youngest children to the mystery of the Nativity in a close and endearing way.
For those who pray the novena in Europe, these Christmas carols represent a bridge between Hispanic and local tradition , since many melodies have traveled across the Atlantic and continue to be sung in parishes in Spain as well as in Latin American communities based in European cities.
Family and community dimension of Day 6
Beyond the established traditions, the sixth day of the Christmas Novena is primarily experienced as a time for gathering. In many homes, relatives, neighbors, or friends are invited, and after the prayer, typical seasonal recipes are shared: from homemade sweets to simple snacks adapted to each country or region.
The annual repetition of this practice leads many to perceive it as a genuine thread of family memory : anecdotes from previous years are recalled, those who are no longer present are mentioned, and the meaning of each part of the novena is passed on to new generations. This oral and lived transmission reinforces the sense of belonging and continuity.
In urban areas, many people organize the novena in neighborhood communities, groups of friends, or associations, thus creating a small network of solidarity amidst the fast pace of December. In parishes and schools, the 6th may include symbolic gestures, such as food or toy drives for those most in need.
Although the tradition originated outside of Europe, the Christmas Novena is experiencing a growing presence in towns in Spain and other European cities with large Latin American communities. There, the prayer becomes a way to preserve cultural roots and, at the same time, introduce these practices to local believers interested in new ways of experiencing Advent.
Against this backdrop, Day 6 of the Christmas Novena unfolds as a day where biblical history, popular tradition, and daily life intertwine: the common prayers recall the journey of Joseph and Mary and the promise of the coming of the Child Jesus; the reflection speaks of simplicity, humility, and trust in Providence; the joyful songs and carols set hope to music, and the family and community gathering transforms devotion into a concrete experience of shared faith that serenely and joyfully prepares for the imminent arrival of Christmas.