Mike and I are trying to make sure we teach Graeme and Liam the true reason for celebrating Christmas. We are trying new things each year to see what works. Something we are trying this year is that we are going to open presents on Christmas Eve so that while they will play on Christmas day, we can focus on celebrating Jesus' birthday instead of tearing into gifts. We also have an advent calendar in which we have put the baby Jesus from our nativity in the last box.
So what are fun family traditions, new or old, that you do? Birthday cakes for Jesus? Advent Calendars? Do you read the Christmas story? I think it would be a lot of fun to discover how you keep Christ in Christmas.
And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:10-11
I think going to Christmas Eve services every year since I was born has been one way that Christmas will always be linked to Christ and the Body of Christ. I like that we spent time at church before the exchanging of gifts and spending time with family happens the next day. It seems to sort of put me in the right mindset. When the boys get to the point where they are taking communion the service will be even more meaningful.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for the boys to be old enough to enjoy Christmas services.
ReplyDeleteThe candles at Christmas Eve service always bring such a warmth to my heart as they remind me of the wonder of Christmas! We also read the Christmas story with the kids before sending them to bed.
ReplyDeleteMy family loves traditions- ok I love traditions! We would always have cheese soup before the Christmas Eve service. When we got home it is picture time, then singing everyone's favorite Christmas Hymns from the Hymnal. Then my brother reads the Christmas story, we find the baby Jesus for the Nativity that mom has hid somewhere (when we are home she still does this!). When we have found him, we put him in the manger, sing Happy Birthday, and blow out a candle on some Christmas bread. Then we usually do presents- one at a time, oldest to youngest. :) I love it and I love the focus on what Christmas is really about. My mom has always done such a great job of making traditions that stay around and that mean something.
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