# 061 12/18/00 Cultivate family Christmas traditions

Christmas is such a glorious time for Christian families. As you think about Christmases past, you probably remember special times with your own family and customs that were unique to your family. There may have been a particular ornament that always went to the top of the tree out of reach of little hands. There were probably one-of-a-kind family recipes that were prepared for Christmas dinner. There may have been a ritual for distributing gifts to all the waiting family members. Picture taking may have played a big role in the Christmas festivities. We all have our unique memories of our own families at Christmas.

It is easy amid wrapping paper, Christmas decorations and holiday crowds to forget the importance of celebrating Christ’s birthday. If you do not have treasured customs in your family, which emphasize the real reason for Christmas, this might be a good year to begin one. If you are at a loss to know what to do, let your children help you plan. I remember one year when my children decided that we needed a birthday cake for Jesus. I would have never thought of that myself, but it was a good idea.

An inexpensive unbreakable manager scene is a wonderful way for little children to learn about the wonder of the Christmas birth. They can be taught reverence even as they are allowed to handle the figures. Many families go to church services on Christmas Eve. A Christmas morning reading of the story of Christ’s birth is a wonderful way to begin a memorable day. The story of the Wise Men bringing gifts to the Christ Child can be told to help children understand the reason for their own gift giving. Christian symbols can be included as tree ornaments. Children can be involved in a family project to help a less fortunate family enjoy Christmas.

Why not make this the year that you begin some distinctive Christian customs that will be a part of your children’s memories when they are teaching their own children about Christmas?