As I write to you today, my blogging family, I was brought back to many Christmas memories and traditions I share with my family. So I thought I'd share some of that with you this Christmas.
The first thing that comes to mind about Christmas is our family time together with our extended family. We would always gather with the aunts, uncles, cousins, and many more. It was so exciting to share our new toys, or put on our new Christmas clothes. Every child in the family had a smile on their face all day long. Pure joy.
When I was a small child the excitement began Christmas Eve. We would watch a Christmas show on TV, my favorite was always the Little Drummer Boy. Then it was bath time, and waiting for me was a brand new nightgown or pajamas. The same for my brother. Of course we were so excited, we couldn't wait until Christmas morning to get there. We were raised knowing the true meaning of Christmas, Jesus' birthday, our Savior was born. But as a small child our excitement was about what we would find under the tree that morning.
We began as our family of four, My Mom and Dad, brother, and myself would open our gifts. It was the one day of the year my brother and I were up before dawn. We would go wake our parents, who undoubtedly had little sleep. It was not wild chaos, we always watched each other open their surprise.
Then our day would get busy. Christmas breakfast (or brunch) was a big deal with the whole family. We would gather together at my mother's aunt's home. And we had a feast. The wonderful aroma of bacon cooking was the best. I remember many times we would have a big snowstorm. Often my Dad would have to go tow someone out of a snowbank.
Then eventually we'd get back home and enjoy our gifts some more. My Mom was in the kitchen preparing Christmas dinner. The whole family would gather together again for dinner. Sometimes it would be at our home, or sometimes another home.
As you can see family was the emphasis on our Christmas celebration.
But as years go by, the dynamics change. Many have passed away. We moved further away. But those traditions were still so very important. My Dad loved Christmas breakfast. He wanted to supply most of the food. We tried to argue that with him, but he had no part of it. He insisted. So we raised our son with the same traditions. The new pj's to sleep in, the family breakfast, and the family dinner. Even though there wasn't the large amount of people we still had a very special celebration.
Now my son lives quite a distance away, so those traditions are mostly wonderful memories, until we can live closer that is. One day (we are confident) we will live close by, and we can celebrate with our son and his family. We can start some new traditions with them.
But one thing has never changed, knowing why we celebrate Christmas, knowing why it is so important to us. Our savior is born, He brings us hope and joy, and the greatest gift of all, His love.
So even though your family dynamics may have changed, you can still have those wonderful memories. You can create some new traditions. You can still be filled with the joy, hope, and love that Jesus gives us.
Every family has some sad memories also of Christmas time. I do. But I wanted to encourage you and not dwell on that aspect. I want to share Christmas blessings with you all.
As Christmas Eve and Christmas Day near, I pray that you will enjoy your family traditions, or even make some new ones. I pray that you can be with your loved ones on this special day.
Luke 2:14 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
14 Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [men of goodwill, of His favor].
Merry Christmas!
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