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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