As Christmas approaches, there’s a buzz in the air as people decorate their homes, attend parties, shop for gifts, write out cards, etc. For some this is a happy buzz, for others it can be stressful and overwhelming, actually leading to a dread of Christmas. As a self proclaimed introvert, I prefer to celebrate quietly. I realized that as an adult I can decide what traditions to celebrate for Christmas and every other day.
Decorating my home is on the list for essential traditions. After putting up my tree, I invited my 7 year old friend, Ladybug to help me put on the lights. This is the third Christmas we’ve done this, and it’s always documented with a photo that I actually print out and put in an album. Each year she can reach a bit higher on the tree. I love making these memories with her. Other decorations include a red ribbon with snowflakes on my front door, along with a wreath and jingle bells that ring whenever the door is opened. My large, multi-piece nativity scene has been donated to a thrift store, and I now enjoy a cute, one piece nativity scene that easily fits in the box with the ornaments. There are a few other Christmas items out on display, but nothing that takes up too much room. Clutter makes me cranky.
Also on the list is to write and send out cards. The past few years I’ve actually taken the time to make the cards, using card stock, calligraphy and an original haiku. Although this may seem like a lot of work, I really enjoy it. It’s a way to connect with people, to let them know that they matter to me.
Next on the list is to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas. That happy music makes me want to dance every time I hear it! You’d be hard pressed to find something more joyful. And then there’s the sweet voice of Linus reciting from the Bible to tell Charlie Brown what Christmas is all about. I look forward to watching it every year.
The last thing on my list is to read A Christmas Carol. I’ve lost track of how many years I’ve done this, but it’s about 10. In years past I’ve read it from beginning to end, but this year a new tradition may have started; choosing to randomly read the most heart warming parts.
Maybe you enjoy some of these as well. Chances are, you have your own list of what’s important to celebrate. But if you feel that something has been missing, maybe this is the year to really think about what delights you and what is meaningful for you. Do what you can to make those things happen. Perhaps it’s also time to think about if any traditions are weighing you down. Would it be possible to stop giving time, money and energy to those things?
However you choose to celebrate, I pray that you have a joyful time making happy memories with those you love. I invite you to share some of your favorite traditions in the comment section.
I just watched A Charlie Brown Christmas today🌟 I also read daily devotions from an advent book as well. Usually my church put one out so it’s different every year💖🎄
Growing up, I so looked forward to midnight mass on Christmas Eve. . The music, the candlelight, the communal voice in prayer and song gave such meaning to Christmas. My mother’s pecan and mincemeat pies were the most delectable family traditions, as she only made them during Christmas week. I can happily say I am extending that tradition by baking them as often as I can!!happy thoughts!!
The holidays are such a special time of year, and I love them! Growing up, I always though it was a time that our house looked it’s best, (which probably wasn’t even that great 😄), but to us it was a nice reprieve from the day-to-day clutter, smoke, and general malaise of the rest of the year. As I grew and met Ryan, we began our own tradition of packing firewood, chairs, hotdogs, marshmallows, and hot chocolate. Generally all the totally unhealthy, but yummy foods that really only taste good after being roasted over an open fire and therefore containing some of the charred remains of said fire. We’d travel to the mountains, hike around looking for that perfect tree, cut it down, and drag it home. We’ve done this from our first year of dating, through 3 kids, and through several different groups of friends making the trek with us. As things have started to change and the kids have gotten older, and we’ve started to get older, we’ve made the transition to buying a tree from the lot. We’ve done this for the last 2 years. It’s been a hard transition for me, for Ryan, he’s close to wanting a fake tree. 😳 I’m not there yet, I’m secretly hoping that if we ever are blessed with grandkids we’ll resume the tradition with a fresh set of magic and excitement. Until then, I sit nightly and admire my real tree with my homemade ornaments from the kids, and I’m thankful for all the years of memories I have of cutting down those trees. 😊❤️ 🌲
I love that nativity! Singing Silent Night at a candlelight Christmas Eve service is one of my highlights…so simple and beautiful. We also enjoy baking a birthday cake for Jesus, leaving a slice for Santa, and indulging in cake for breakfast in the morning.