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Plough Monday is a traditional English folk holiday that marks the first Monday after Twelfth Night (January 6) and symbolically represents the return to agricultural work after the Christmas period. Historically, it was the day when farmers went back to the fields after the long winter festivities. In many rural communities, it was treated almost like a mini-festival: Farm laborers would decorate a plough and parade it through the village They’d ask for donations of food, drink, or money There were often morris dancers, folk performances, and plays The money raised would support the workers or community events It was both practical and symbolic: a way to bless the tools, mark the start of the working year, and bring people together after winter. Today, it’s mostly remembered in folk traditions and seasonal food culture—making it a perfect excuse for hearty, warming dishes like shepherd’s pie, stews, and baked puddings. This Plough Monday Shepherd’s Pie is exactly that: rich, savory, and built to warm you from the inside out. With a deeply flavorful filling and a cloud of buttery mashed potatoes, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a reward after a long day’s work—and a reminder that some traditions are worth keeping, especially the delicious ones. I filmed this recipe for social media so if you'd like to see this in action click below! Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 45 minutes Yields: 6 Serving s Beef Ingredients 1 lb ground beef 1/2 cup chopped carrots 1/2 cup frozen peas 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels 3 tbsps butter 1 cup beef stock 2 tbsps flour 1/2 tbsp thyme 1/2 tbsp rosemary 1/2 tbsp parsley Potato Ingredients 2 lbs russet potatoes 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup milk 3 tbsps melted butter 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese Directions Brown 1 lb beef in a skillet on high heat until fully cooked Drain excess beef fat leaving the bottom of the pan slightly coated Add in 1/2 cup chopped carrots and cook for about 10 minutes or until they are soft. You can season the meat and carrots while cooking with salt and pepper. Pour in 1/2 cup frozen peas and 1/2 cup frozen carrots and cook for a few quick minutes Add 3 tbsps butter to the pan and combine all ingredients until the butter is melted To thicken the mixture add in 2 tbsps flour, 1/2 tbsp thyme, 1/2 tbsp rosemary, and 1/2 tbsp parsley Stir everything together until the flour disappears Pour in 1 cup beef stock and turn the heat up to high until the broth thickens. I stirred the ingredients through this part so that nothing stuck to the bottom of the pan Once you see a sauce develop remove the pan from the burner and pour it into an 8x8 baking dish. It's time to make our mashed potatoes. Skin and cube the potatoes and put them in a pot filled with cold water. You want your water to slightly cover your top later. Cook for about 8-10 minutes over medium to high heat or until potatoes are tender. If a fork easily goes through them they are finished. Drain the potatoes and let them cook for a minute or two. Go ahead and heat your oven to 425 degrees. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until they are still slightly chunky. I think this is part is key, if you over mash here then adding all the wet ingredients will only make them mushy. Stir in the 3 tbsps melted butter, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup milk, and 1 cup grated cheese. Cover your meat mixture by spreading the potatoes over the top. This doesn't have to be perfect! Bake for 25 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown on top. Serve in a bowl, especially one with a handle if you want to be cozy, and sprinkle a little more grated cheese on top. It is such a joy to cook with you! I once heard that you know Catholic culture is healthy when it makes its way to the table. And I hope that is true for your home too, because food is a natural way to connect our families back to God and His Church.

There’s something about January weekends in the Christmas season that already feel a little softer, a little slower, and a little more intentional. That’s exactly why we need Sunday Supper Club — it’s less about impressing and more about gathering in comfort. For this third edition, I wanted everything to feel cozy, warm, and easy. Think twinkly lights, comforting food, and outfits that make you feel pretty , but still comfy enough to linger at the table. If you’re thinking about hosting your own, here’s the full breakdown: an easy Christmas-season menu, outfit inspiration, and one extra tip that makes all the difference. The Hearty Winter Menu Since this January gathering marks the end of the Catholic Christmas season, I wanted the food to feel deeply comforting, traditional, and grounding — the kind of dishes that warm you from the inside out. Think slow-cooked, bread-on-the-table, second-helpings kind of food. The key: hearty, rustic, and make-ahead friendly. Starter: Warm & Inviting French Onion Soup with bubbling gruyère and crusty bread or Creamy White Bean & Rosemary Soup with olive oil drizzle Serve with baskets of warm bread and butter — simple, nostalgic, perfect. Main: Winter Comfort Classics Choose one main that feels like a hug: Chicken & Dumplings Baked Ziti or Lasagna (meat or vegetarian) These are all dishes that taste even better when made ahead. Sides: Cozy & Filling Pick 2: Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Buttered Egg Noodles Honey-Glazed Carrots or Maple Roasted Root Vegetables Braised Greens (kale, collards, or Swiss chard) Warm Bread with Whipped Herb Butter Dessert: Wintery & Nostalgic Dessert should feel like something you’d eat in a candlelit kitchen late at night. Bread Pudding with vanilla sauce Spiced Cake with cream cheese frosting Serve with coffee, tea, or spiked hot chocolate. Christmas Season Outfit Inspiration Your Sunday Supper Club outfit should strike that perfect balance between put-together and comfortable. You want to feel cute, but also able to move around the kitchen, sit cross-legged on the couch, and stay cozy all night. Option 1: Likes Feeling Cozy but Still Chic Knit midi dress Knee-high boots or ballet flats Soft cardigan or cropped sweater Gold hoops + dainty necklace Option 2: Wants to be Elevated but Casual Dark-wash straight-leg jeans Fitted turtleneck or festive knit sweater Ankle boots or loafers A sleek bun or soft waves Option 3: The Host with Energy Satin or velvet slip skirt Chunky sweater tucked in slightly Pointed-toe flats or low heels A bold lip for a pop of glam Think textures: velvet, satin, knits, wool — they instantly feel winter-ready. One Extra Tip That Changes Everything Create a Signature Moment Something that I like to do is create one memorable detail that will leave people feeling special. It doesn’t have to be big — it just has to be intentional. Here are a few easy ideas: A welcome drink like my Cozy Mulled Cider A shared playlist that sets the mood A gratitude card at each place setting where guests write one thing they’re thankful for A mini takeaway (a cookie wrapped in parchment, a handwritten recipe card, or a tiny candle) That one thoughtful touch is what turns a dinner into an experience. The third edition of Sunday Supper Club is all about leaning into the end of the Christmas season, especially with only a short period of time before we enter into Lent I think we should pause and relish in this moment with slower meals, softer lighting, deeper conversations, and food that feels like a hug. You don’t need perfection. You just need intention. So light the candles, put on your coziest playlist, and invite people over. That’s the magic. If you host your own version, I’d love to hear how it goes.

Every year as Christmas approaches, Catholics begin to engage in a familiar debate: Should we “do” Santa Claus? Should a Catholic home welcome the jolly man in red, or is he merely a distraction from the sacred meaning of the Nativity? Some see him as an innocent, joyful part of childhood; others see him as a symbol of consumerism or a potential threat to a child’s trust in their parents. And, as with many things in Catholic culture, there is a truly split reaction. This question has only seemed to intensify in recent years, with social media fueling strong opinions on both sides. But for me, this conversation isn’t abstract—it’s personal. I grew up in a non-practicing Catholic home, where St. Nicholas wasn’t even a blip on my radar. I didn’t learn about him, his life, or his feast day until I was in my twenties. Yet we did have Santa Claus. We had the full experience: the cookies & milk, the stockings, the reindeer bait, and the presents magically appearing overnight. And somehow, despite Santa being part of my childhood, I went on to discover the Catholic faith, to love it, and to live it fully. So when I hear the argument that “Santa harms faith,” or that he inevitably leads to confusion, I can’t help but think: That wasn’t my experience at all. If I were to take a stance in this debate, I would say—wholeheartedly—that celebrating Santa can actually help cultivate faith. Santa, Imagination, and the Development of Faith When I look back on my childhood, Santa wasn’t a barrier to faith. He was a bridge—one that expanded my imagination, my sense of wonder, and my openness to “things unseen.” Santa, along with the many other imaginative traditions my family engaged in, gave me the capacity to believe in truths that aren’t tangible. My imagination was encouraged to recognize that reality is deeper, richer, and more mysterious than what can be measured. And isn’t that what faith is? A belief in the unseen? A trust in a reality beyond our senses? Santa didn’t confuse me. He stretched my imagination. And that imaginative, whimsical stretching would later support my ability to perceive divine truths that cannot be touched or proven with scientific precision. We, as Catholics, of all people, should understand the power of lore. Catholicism Is a Faith Built on Story Our tradition is filled with stories—thousands of years of them. Some are historical accounts. Others are hagiographies shaped by the spiritual minds of early Christians. Many saints’ lives include fantastical elements that, while perhaps not literal, convey a deeper truth about virtue, holiness, and God’s action in human lives. We appreciate writers like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien precisely because they understood that imagination is not opposed to truth—rather, it is one of its most powerful servants. They wrote in mythical realms with characters who ultimately reveal Christ, His virtues, and His love. So the idea that Catholics should become “flat,” unidimensional, or hyper-literal about figures like Santa or even Halloween feels strangely disconnected from our own heritage. We love a good story—so why do we cringe when it comes to our own cultural folklore? The “You’re Lying to Your Children” Concern One of the most common objections among parents is that telling children Santa is real feels like lying. And I understand the sensitivity. Parents want to cultivate trust. But here’s my honest reflection: Never—not once—has Santa appeared on the list of topics I’ve brought to therapy. The idea that believing in Santa somehow shatters a child’s trust assumes that children approach the world like miniature lawyers, carefully cataloging every statement for factual accuracy. But children approach the world through wonder. Through story. Through play. I don’t think abandoning Santa is inherently harmful. But I do think refusing to engage with imagination out of fear of “lying” misunderstands the developmental world children inhabit. Children, unlike adults, live in a liminal space—between the concrete and the imaginative—and that space is fertile ground for faith. Santa and St. Nicholas: A Both/And Approach Of course, St. Nicholas is deeply and directly rooted in our Christian tradition. His generosity, courage, and devotion to Christ are powerful examples for families. Celebrating his feast day—setting out shoes, reading his stories, teaching about his life—is a rich and beautiful practice. But why must it be either/or? Why not both/and? We can teach our children that the modern Santa has roots in St. Nicholas while also acknowledging that Santa has been shaped by a secular society that often misses the mark. We can draw from the good while rejecting the excesses. Santa does not have to represent consumerism, bribery (“If you’re good you’ll get more presents”), or shallow morality and reward systems. Parents can reshape Santa within the home by emphasizing: generosity joy kindness celebration creativity self-giving love Santa can become a character who inspires acts of charity and service—donating toys, baking for friends, giving away what we don’t need—rather than a dispenser of rewards. Why Do We Let Society Define Him for Us? This is the heart of my question: Why do we let society take ownership of Santa? Why do we surrender imagination, whimsy, and playful lore simply because the culture has distorted them? It is easier, I suppose, to say, “We’re not doing Santa because he’s not real and I don’t want to lie.” What’s harder is leaning into that messy, creative, imaginative space where stories and symbols become stepping stones to deeper truths. Where children learn through myths. Where joy leads to meaning. Where imagination nurtures faith. What We Lose When We Lose Imagination As adults, many of us have lost our sense of play. We forget how to create worlds, characters, rituals, and stories that shape the hearts and minds of our children. We underestimate how much imagination builds the capacity for faith. When we strip away whimsy, we strip away a part of the soul. And children need that whimsical space to grow in faith. Santa doesn’t have to overshadow Christ. He can point toward Him. He can prepare a child’s heart for the God who is unseen yet powerfully present. He can be a part of Catholic storytelling, not a competitor to it. So, To Santa or Not to Santa? Ultimately, each Catholic family must discern what aligns with their conscience and values. But for my part, I can say this: Santa was a magical part of my child heart. He didn’t hinder my faith—he expanded my imagination, my sense of wonder, and my openness to mystery. And I believe he can do the same for many children today. We don’t need to choose between truth and imagination because a good imagination will touch truth. We can embrace both. We can let lore speak truth. We can celebrate St. Nicholas faithfully and still welcome Santa joyfully. And maybe—just maybe—that imaginative space is where the seeds of faith take root most deeply. I welcome your thoughts and opinions on the matter, feel free to leave them in the comments!

Celebrate Catholic saints and feast days by baking and cooking delicious recipes that will bring your family and friends together. Advent Recipes Go to Christmas Recipes Go to Winter Ordinary Time Recipes Go to Lenten Recipes Go to Easter Recipes Go to Summer Ordinary Time Recipes Go to Any Season Go to Meatless Meals Go to Drinks Go to THE SUNDAY TABLE The Sunday Table is an average wife's pursuit at making good food and drinks for feast days and seasons while dancing and talking theology. Steffani's fond memories of cooking up seasonal meals with her dad in the kitchen, and now serving her own family, has drawn her to share the ways in which food can nourish us both physically and spiritually. Growing together around the table is an essential part of celebrating God through the liturgical year, and an invaluable part of uniting friends and family. LITURGICAL LIVING IN ALL LIFE'S SEASONS

Shop hand-selected Catholic items to inspire liturgical living in your home. Our seasonal collections are filled with items that will help you celebrate feast days, decorate your home, host gatherings, and enhance your devotions. Subscribe to our email list and receive 10% off your first order! The Sunday Market sets itself apart as an online Catholic retailer dedicated to offering liturgically rich heirlooms and goods curated to inspire story-centered, personal, and cultural experiences throughout the Church's liturgical year. Shop the Curated Liturgical Collections Feast Days Seasons Domestic Church Paper Goods Gifts Heirlooms Send a Sunday Market Gift Card Buy a Gift Card NEW ARRIVALS Quick View Children's Mass Set Price $55.00 Quick View Mother Mary Ornament Price $25.00 Quick View Saints Quilted Pouch Price $15.00 Quick View St. Therese of Lisieux Hair Clip Out of stock Quick View Our Lady Hair Clip Out of stock Quick View Holy Hearts Hair Clip Out of stock Quick View Ever Near Rosary Holder Out of stock Quick View St. Benedict Men’s Rosary Price $22.00 Quick View Candle Care Kit Out of stock Quick View One Line a Day Fiat Journal Price $18.00 Quick View You Are Made for This Journal Price $18.00 Quick View Ceramic Holy Water Font Price $34.00 Quick View Taper Tacky Candle Positioning Wax Out of stock Quick View 100% Beeswax Celebration Tapers- Set of 10 Price $28.50 Quick View 100% Beeswax Tapers- Set of 2 Price $12.50 Quick View Festive Faith Companions Bundle Price $15.00 Shop Gifts BEST SELLERS Quick View Catholic Pumpkin Stencils Price $0.00 Quick View 100% Beeswax Advent Candles Price $28.00 Quick View The Morning Offering Simple Printable Price $0.00 Quick View Nativity Story Advent Wreath Price $45.00 Quick View O Antiphons Printable Price $0.00 Quick View Festive Faith Price $20.00 Quick View Festive Faith Companions Bundle Price $15.00 Quick View Saint Snack Serving Guide Price $0.00 Quick View Assumption of Mary Treat Toppers Price $0.00 Quick View Meatless Meals Recipe Book Price $0.00 Quick View The Morning Offering Floral Printable Price $0.00 Quick View Saint & Virtue of the Year Goal Planner Price $0.00 Quick View 30 Day Holy Family Virtue Challenge Price $0.00 Quick View Chrism Candle- 4oz Price $24.00 Quick View Marian Garden Guide Printable Price $0.00 Quick View Litany of Trust Printable Price $0.00 EXPLORE THE FESTIVE FAITH COLLECTION Festive Faith Price $20.00 Festive Faith Companions Bundle Price $15.00 Festive Faith Advent & Christmas Companions Price $4.00 Festive Faith Winter Ordinary Time, Lent, & Triduum Companion Price $4.00 Festive Faith Easter & Summer Ordinary Time Companion Price $4.00 Festive Faith Rhythms of Fasting & Abstinence Companion Price $4.00 Festive Faith Sundays and Essentials Companion Price $4.00 Shop Now Use your new heirlooms and goods to create tradition. Find ideas, recipes, theology, and resources back in the blog or on social media. Go to the Blog About The Sunday Market At The Sunday Market we strive to cultivate a Catholic retail experience that is centered around storytelling and a deep personal connection to living the liturgical year. Our products are infused with the cultural stories of global communities, grounded in tradition, liturgy, and imagery-rich experiences. We want our heirlooms and goods to support you in developing a liturgical lifestyle that fosters appreciation for people, God, and the seasons. Our products are meant to be highly valued and handed down for generations. As you engage with our community, our aim is for you to have a sensory experience of the faith and increased trust and commitment to our brand. Learn More About Us Ships Within 3-4 B-Days Run by a Catholic Family Giving Back to Parishes Quick Customer Service LITURGICAL LIVING IN ALL LIFE'S SEASONS Receive our e-newsletter Liturgy Collective and other updates, resources, first-looks, and discounts! Enter your email here Sign Up Happy You're Here! Thank you for supporting our Catholic family owned small business.

Liturgy Culture and Kitchen by His Girl Sunday is a ministry that helps individuals, families, and parishes to build Catholic tradition and live liturgically. You will find my favorite prayers, feast day recipes, activities for all ages, and heirloom quality products. IDEAS IN ACTION LITURGICAL LIVING IN ALL LIFE'S SEASONS CELEBRATE WITH YOUR CATHOLIC VILLAGE Welcoming you into liturgical living rooted in the culture, tradition, and story-centered heritage of the Catholic faith. I offer ideas and encouragement for single people, married couples without children, families of all sizes, and parish communities to live the rhythms of the Church year every day—so that ordinary life is centered on what matters most: God, family, and community. THE CATHOLIC CANDLES YOU'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR! 100% Beeswax Tapers- Set of 2 $12.50 Price I Want One! GET STEFFANI'S NEW LITURGICAL LIVING BOOK Festive Faith $20.00 Price Get the Book A MEANINGFUL & MEMORABLE CATHOLIC LIFE Are you looking to start a living liturgically? You've come to the right place! Sunday Culture & Table strives to inspire households and parishes to embody the liturgical year. We fill a space that was once common practice, seasonal celebrations for all ages and with all ages. Sunday Supper Club Sunday Living Magazine Member's Corner Let's Get Started Liturgical living doesn't need to be overwhelming! Begin with our simple guide! Get the Guide Join the Festivity Want More From His Girl Sunday? Subscribe to get recipes, liturgical living ideas, & news from Steffani right to your inbox! Email Join Our Mailing List Thanks for subscribing! Cultivate the spirit of Christmas in your home and community with these timeless traditions. Culture Christmas Blog Posts Find resources for building tradition and theology for living the season in my feast day writings. Great Idea! Table Christmas Recipes Cook and bake feast day meals and treats with me. There is a seat for you at my table. Get Cookin' Market Heirlooms & Goods Shop the curated collection and fill your home with pieces that are intended to enhance the season. Let's Shop To Santa or Not to Santa: A Catholic Reflection on Imagination, Lore, and Faith A Cozy Catholic Advent Movie Guide Sunday Supper Club: Edition No. 2 Thanksgiving Leftovers & Advent Desiring a liturgical life that is purposefully rooted in your Catholic identity and culture? PARTNERSHIPS FEATURED APPEARANCES ON THE HOME TAB LITURGICAL LIVING IN ALL LIFE'S SEASONS Disclosure Connect All rights reserved. ©His Girl Sunday. Unauthorized usage and duplication of text and images without the express permission of Steffani and His Girl Sunday is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links to posts may be used as long as clear credit is given to Steffani/His Girl Sunday. Email steffani.hisgirlsunday@gmail.com Website www.HisGirlSunday.com Sunday Culture & Table Sunday Market by His Girl Sunday