When I think about Christmas, the first things that I think of are my own sweet childhood memories, and those of our children when they were young. Why is this? Well, I don’t claim to know the answer to that one, but I do know this: Those memories are precious and special to me somewhere deep down. They are full of love and lights, and of music and magic. They are also filled with stories of faith and strength.
There is just something joyful that happens inside me somewhere around mid-November that grows and grows until I can no longer hold it in…and on that day, at least at our house, Christmas explodes into the air in all of its dazzling glory. It has always been so important to me to be able to pass down this love of tradition to our kids. Given the way they remind me of the wonderful things they’re looking forward to as each Christmas approaches, I think that’s been a successful venture. I’m not one for tinsel, per se, but I do love twinkle lights, Christmas music, nostalgic decor passed down by my mom and grandmothers, and ornaments our kids made with their own hands so long ago.
Now, I know that this season is also full of the hustle and bustle of searching, buying, wrapping, finishing school projects, parties galore, and last-minute cookie exchanges, but this isn’t what I am thinking of right now. While those things are definitely part of the whole Christmas season, I far prefer to focus on the simple pleasures. Again, I know you might be wondering why that is. This time, I do have the answer, though! 
I love simple traditions.
I love the memories.
I love the beautiful peace I can feel in my heart when I gaze at my ceramic Nativity scene, or at the jingle bells hanging from a push pin on my wall–the very same jingle bells that hung on my grandparents’ front door every Christmas when I was small. The gentleness of the evergreen with white lights warmly glowing and sparkling like stars that reminds me that we were made for more than just this life…for me, it’s all a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. It’s the perfect opportunity for me to slow down, center my thoughts and my heart, and feel the calm…even if I have to create it!
There are things I grew up doing that we still do today that just make it “feel like” Christmas. Do you have those types of things, too? As we added to our family, we also added our own new traditions as well. We love them all. If you aren’t familiar with keeping traditions, as I know some families are not, I highly recommend starting your own!
You might already have tons of ideas, and maybe it’s just a matter of getting started! Or perhaps you would like to begin some new traditions, but you’re unsure what kinds? Here are some of our favorites to get you going in the “Christmas” direction:
- Make Christmas cookies together…decorate as much or as little as you desire!
- Drive around looking at Christmas lights…we always make sure to bring along cookies and something warm to drink!
- Watch the same movie(s) each year while the family decorates the tree…for us, it’s Dr.Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas (all versions!)
- Make or purchase a new tree ornament each year for each child…they will have a special collection to get them started when they have their own tree one day! Here’s a fun one we’ve done that younger kids will love to make!
- Anonymously choose a child (or even a whole family!) to bless with a gift…we like to choose a child who might not otherwise be receiving a gift this year. The kids really get into this one!
- Participate in a local organization’s collection of filled shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.
- Have the kids choose and purchase (or make!) small gifts for their siblings. Help them learn how to give thoughtful gifts that are meaningful. The joy of giving is so contagious!
- Read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas together on Christmas Eve, while sampling the cookies from the batch we make to leave for “Santa.”
- Invite a neighbor over to the kitchen table, or even the porch, for a cup of cheer in Christmas mugs. I love to do tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or even hot apple cider! Candy canes are fun addition, too.
- Build gingerbread houses and decorate them until your heart’s content. HINT: We save some colorful Halloween candy for this purpose!
- Celebrate the church season of Advent by making a Jesse Tree, and by lighting advent candles. We have loved learning about the meaning behind each candle.
- Try out new recipes together and decide which ones to keep on the menu permanently.
There are so many options! You can make just about anything into a fun, memorable Christmas tradition for your family. The most important part is that everyone is included and feels the joy in it. So, my friends, don’t hesitate! The time is now to start your own little things…even if it’s ONE thing…to do with your family at Christmastime. Take pictures, laugh, drink hot chocolate, tell stories. Maybe even plan for next year’s traditions by purchasing items at a huge discount after the holiday has passed. May you have fun, be blessed, and feel the deep joy of simple peace this Christmas. Merry Christmas!