Wednesday, November 28, 2012

What’s So Special about Christmas? Meaningful Traditions - Part 1 of 3




Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. - Isaiah 7:14

When the Christmas season comes upon us there are many traditions that take place in different countries, communities and churches. 

There are the old traditions that have lived on through the years and then there are new traditions that are started by someone who has a great idea and wants to bring a spark to the season!

I believe some of the traditions that we have held to for so long have great meaning and the ones that are new will live on for years to come as well…... Light shows on houses and hot chocolate bring communities together for fun and togetherness. It’s just great to take a tour around town to see all the lights and the extent that people go to, to share these talents and bring joy to us in this season.

Some of our special family traditions have been putting up the Christmas lights and getting up the Christmas tree before December 25th, often 12 days to a month before! From home to home the date of this can be different but for the most part many of us have these traditions. Those of us who like to have a more celebrative atmosphere tend to decorate the house with greens, lights, candles, bells. holly and poinsettia’s. For those of you who have children stockings are put up by the fireplace. All these things certainly get us in the mood for the celebration!These traditions have a fascinating history behind them and it is fun to learn about them! 

Other traditions we have are to buy gifts for the special people in our lives (which I will talk more about in part 2….) and we can’t forget about the food and the plans for family get-togethers! Often we may think it’s all about the food but it certainly is more than that! However, a beautifully laid out table can also be very inviting. Turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings with pumpkin pie are usually our favorites. You may have others!

I remember as a child when we got together we would have Christmas dinner and after dinner the children would have a time to share a verse, a poem, sing, or say part of a Christmas play that we had learned. Then the adults and children sang Christmas Carols and we would open up our gifts. Soon after the peanuts, oranges and candies came out and we would play table games etc. It was a great time! I also remember very similar times even when I was already married and we still lived in Manitoba and celebrated Christmas with our families. These days living so far from them we have our own children and grandchildren that we celebrate Christmas with and try to see our families when we are able.

We live in an era where time goes by fast and everybody is so busy we need to take time away from our daily routines, and focus our hearts on the important. Many churches celebrate Advent, which prepares us spiritually for the Christmas season and reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas. What another great tradition that is celebrated from the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ends on December 25th.

Another way we celebrate is with Christmas concerts and banquets which I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of this year already. There are also plays or productions at school and church and many times it`s our children or grandchildren that we have the opportunity to see involved and that is exciting!

The memories of Christmas will linger on as we share the good times with those we love. Maybe this season you can start a new tradition by sharing a favorite quality or memory of each person.  Lift each other up in prayer. Have a time to share old family pictures or movies. Tell jokes and silly stores or sing a favorite song.
Whatever the tradition looks like new or old, let it come from the desire to bring joy and unity to loved ones. All the other things will just add to the already wonderful celebration.

What Christmas traditions does your family hold dear? I would love for you to share them with me below!

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