Traditions

What comes to your mind when you think of the word, tradition?  Maybe it brings a remembrance of a recipe for cookies your mom used to make every year for your birthday or Christmas.  Perhaps it involves going through picture albums of school pictures when you were growing up.  These and any number of things can make up traditions, and we generally pass them from one generation to the next.

Christmas traditions are always important to us.  From certain meals served, to opening presents at a particular time of day or night, everyone can remember the traditional Christmas events that have carried on from our childhood.

Traditions are usually good, but there is the possibility of traditions being negative.  In Bible days, there were those who had attempted to make their traditions primary over the commands of God.  We can easily see those would be traditions we would want to avoid.

But this time of the year when we are preparing for the Christmas celebration, let's look at some things which can happen with you individually, and as a family, and will be not only a memory for future generations, but will possibly be a molding factor for the type of lives they live.

Here are some examples of traditions I recently heard about, and with these, you may add your own family traditions as a vital part of the Christmas celebration.

1.  For those who cook and prepare the holiday meals, discuss with the younger family members the traditional menu for Christmas Eve and Christmas Dinner.

2.  Have someone read the account from Luke 2, about the birth of Jesus. (Grandpa is a good one for this.)

3.  Holiday house lighting and Christmas tree lighting are good times to share with the family.

4.  Set aside one evening in December to watch a Christmas movie together with the family.

5.  Deliver Christmas cookies and treats to your local fire station, police station, and other first responders.

6.  Place a phone call from the Christmas family gathering, to someone who was unable to be present with the rest of the family, and let everyone contribute conversation.

The number of things is limited only by your imagination.  Just keep in mind you are building family traditions, leading to valuable family time, with even more valuable examples.  Keep your traditions tied to the Christmas season of sharing the message of Jesus' miraculous birth and the love he has for all mankind.  Oh, and one more thing.  Tell your friends and work associates about your family and its traditions during Christmas.  Remember, we are working toward "Peace on earth, good will to men."

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