Christmas Traditions

As a young boy growing up, our family always lived a bit of a distance away from our extended family. And, because my grandparents lived in different states, it meant we had to choose which family to visit for the Christmas holiday. Very rare was the year when we would be able to visit both.

Each set of extended family had their own "traditions." For example, I remember on Christmas Day gathering in the living room at my grandmother's home in Alabama to open gifts. One of the grandchildren would be the appointed Santa Claus for that year and hand out the gifts. We could always tell when a 'gag gift' was going to be given. The guilty wrapper had a camera pointed at the wrappee when it was about to be opened. Many laughs were shared around the fireplace and the Christmas tree.

Now, we're older. Grandmama has gone on to be with Jesus, as has my aunt, my dad, and a cousin. My generation has families of our own, and it is difficult to all get together again. We have begun our own Christmas traditions. My daughters will only hear stories of Christmases past, and it is my priviledge to share them. Being able to share the memories of those traditions is actually one of the highlights of being a dad.

One tradition has not changed in all the years. Someone, no matter where we are, will read at least one of the Christmas accounts from Scripture. When Mary and Joseph couldn't get into the inn, but had to sleep in the barn; Jesus was born, and because there was no crib, was laid in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes. We'll read about the angels telling the shepherds who were minding their own business in the field, but dropped everything to come running to the city. We'll read how those shepherds, the typically rejected in society, would be among the first to welcome Jesus to Earth from His splendor of Heaven. We'll read of their excitement as they are able to spread the news to anyone else who will listen.

Therein lies the point. My job as a parent is to share with my children the excitement of what Christmas is all about. Not necessarily the material gifts wrapped under the Christmas tree. As much fun as it is to have one of those white elephant gifts waiting to be unwrapped by an unsuspecting family member in good humor, the important part of this day is remembering that we are here to celebrate Jesus. As we spend time with our family traditions, make sure one of yours is to take the time to read about the real reason for Christmas. From the Bible. The New Testament books of Matthew (chapter 1) and Luke (chapter 2) give those accounts. If that isn't yet a tradition of yours, let 2010 be the most important year to date, and begin to share with your family the real Christmas story.

I'd love to hear your Christmas ideas and creative ways of sharing the all-important Christmas account with your family this year.

Blessings, my friends!