Advent is upon us! People are putting lights on their houses! Cars become transport vehicles for Christmas trees! Stores play carols and Christmas tunes through their loud speakers!
And why does any of it matter? Why do people get excited about Christmas, even if they celebrate it only for secular reasons?
It's the anticipation.
It is something to look forward to during the rest of the year. It marks this time as different from the other months. It gives us a sense of community. And who doesn't like having an excuse to celebrate?
And that is why family traditions are something to think about. Because a tradition is repeated, family members (especially children) can anticipate them. They look forward to the tradition as something out of the ordinary. The traditions are something THEY do, uniting them as a family. And of course, they're fun!
Some families have traditions that are decades old. And a new family can certainly come up with a tradition that will be all their own. But if you grew up with no family traditions, you may not know where to start. My answer to that is: start anywhere! Do something annually and it becomes a tradition! My brother-in-law takes his children out for a hot chocolate on their birthday, starting at the age of three. My nephew and nieces LOVE their birthday hot chocolate with Daddy! So think, what does your family enjoy doing in general? What is considered a treat? What is doable on a regular basis? (Hawaii would be a nice tradition, but only in my dreams!) Then pick a day and do it every year on that day or around that same time.
If you are wanting to start some traditions in your family, Christmas is a great time to do so. Here are some ideas to get you going:
-Buy a potted Christmas tree and plant it. Decorate it with popcorn and cranberry strings, fruit, and nuts for the animals.
-Do a countdown to Christmas morning by making a paper chain 24 links long. Everyday, tear off a link and watch as the chain grows shorter and shorter. You can also write a Bible verse or "activity for the day" (like "Make popcorn balls") on each chain.
-Tell stories or memories related to each ornament as you put them on the tree.
-Bake goodies and share them with your neighbors. Surprise them with a song on their door step.
-Hike or drive up to a vista point and look at the stars. Try to envision the first Christmas.
-Host an old-fashion caroling outing or singalong.
-Dress up in make-shift costumes and reenact the Christmas story. Have a narrator read the biblical accounts of the birth while everyone else pantomimes. Children love being Mary, Joseph, angels, or sheep. Infants born that year have the honor of being Baby Jesus.
Remember, though, that traditions are not a rule to live by. They should never feel like shackles. If you find yourself feeling bitter, angry, or stressed because of a tradition, stop. Ask yourself, "What is more important- joy, peace, and love or this tradition?" The traditions may not be worth doing if it causes tension between family members or robs people of the joy of the holiday. Why are we even celebrating? Because it's Jesus's birthday! It's a holy day (the root of the word 'holiday')! And it's not the cookies that make it holy, or the songs, or the lights! Traditions and decoration should enhance the holiday; don't let them become a distraction.
If you are interested in reading more on traditions or Christmas ideas, here are some quick links:
Because we have plans to travel this year, I changed our traditions a bit. But my children and I still look forward to this fun and festive time! The youngest will be introduced to our traditions, and who knows? maybe we'll discover a new tradition this year!
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