Hold on to Your Traditions

Christmas can always bring as much anxiety as it can joy. The act of running around to find the perfect gift, cook the right food, and trying to get along can put one on edge. The only thing holding the holiday in its proper place is the traditions we have. For each family, traditions may vary. However, most families do have them. Some traditions are unique and creative. Some people may be longing to start there own traditions that are a little outside the mainstream. Create a little piece of peace that they can't seem to find in the usual holiday fuss.

In my family, we have a very unique and hard to stand by holiday tradition. We do not open the present until New Year's. Many do not understand why we do it and they feel that we are not celebrating at all. But we do in a more low-keyed sort of way. We spend Christmas Eve and Christmas day eating and enjoying each other's company. We play games; sing Christmas songs, and read of Jesus' birth in the bible. In essence, we devote Christmas to Christ and togetherness. After all, He is the true tradition. The real reason we celebrate at all.

Another tradition we have is the reading of a book called "The Other Wise Man". It is a fascinating story of man who was intended to go with the three wise men, but arrived at their meeting destination to late. He continued his search for Christ and found it in the most unusual way. The book was written by Henry Van Dyke and is easy to read and exciting to follow. The ending is humbling and insightful. The tradition of reading it is definitely one I will keep forever.
Another family tradition that we have is continuing to celebrate the Christmas season through epiphany. Epiphany is the day in which the wise men brought their gifts to Jesus. It is a tradition to have another wonderful meal and family together time. On this day we again play games and watch a movie on the birth of Christ. This is also the day we stop and realize that what Christ did was the ultimate gift. His sacrifice for us was not short lived for humanity, but a gift for eternity. The traditions we hold should honor him no matter how different they are.

Having family traditions during the holidays makes them much more enjoyable. The ones you hold so create a sense of peace among the chaos of the rush of consumerism. Traditions should bring you family together and strengthen you bond to each other. Every year should be a treat and a memory that you can hold onto until the next year. Tradition should be taught your children and a joy to carry on. So in the midst of the buying frenzy, remember the important thing is not what you buy but what you teach to the next generation. That is the most important tradition of all, family.