“For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child Himself.” ~Charles Dickens
“Marley was dead: to begin with.” Thus begins the first lines of the opening scene in the annual presentation of The Christmas Carol and also a very unexpected but cherished family tradition. For the past eight years our little family of three has set off for a night of theatre, forsaking the hustle and bustle of the holiday noise to sit and be told the classic tale written by Charles Dickens in 1843.
Each year the play is presented in a different way and people from all walks of life and persuasion join in to enjoy the timeless message which never fails to touch and tenderize my heart to tears.
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We drag out the buried box. The one wrapped in duct tape from years past. I remember joy bursting as my husband and I scraped enough money to buy this tree as newlyweds.
Now, it seems old. Skimpy. Worn thin and I scold myself quietly for not yet buying another or picking fresh. But my son, the four year-old bouncing out of sheer anticipation, sees the promise of beauty and I force myself to emulate his excitement.
I’ve gotten good at assembly and my boy is eager to learn the process. As I go through the motions, I hear him counting.
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Every year we read the Christmas story and pray before anyone opens a single gift. Reluctantly, I admit that was the depth of our Christmas tradition. I spent countless hours, months before Christmas, turning pages of retail, seeking the best price for whatever items I wanted to buy. Yet, only about 15 minutes reading the Christmas story before we opened the gifts. For as long as I can remember, Christmas day was all about opening presents.
Last year, almost to the day, I remember mostly all the presents had been purchased. I was worn out from the shopping, and growing even more weary from the “I wants” and “Can I have’s.”
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Several years ago, I was inspired by my friend Mel,
@ Psycho with 6, to change our families gift giving traditions dramatically.
What?! Really?!
How do you get a family to change 20+ years of tradition without a major meltdown?
It was actually quite easy. Our children were grown and our grandchildren were young; so, it seemed like a perfect time for change. Now in its fourth year, this meaningful way of gifting has been embraced with even greater enthusiasm.
The Magi gave the Christ child gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Each represented a significant part of Jesus life and ministry:
- Gold – a gift given to royalty.
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Life changes…God does not.
Christmas family traditions bring smiles and warm memories of time spent together. For some, it’s hot chocolate by the fireplace and smiles as their children open gifts. For others, it’s the singing of familiar Christmas carols.
But for some, the Christmas season not only brings sadness, but also images of the joy and happiness everyone else is experiencing. Behind warm smiles are empty hearts and aching souls. Maybe that someone is you.
Life changes.
Children grow older. They lose interest in family traditions or move away.
Hardships come and take over all we wish we could do.
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Do you begin listening to Christmas music on a specific day each year?
Do you open gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
Do you enjoy a real or artificial tree? With multi-color or white lights?
Do you chart the season with an Advent calendar or wreath?
So much of our celebrating of Christmas is wrapped up with the ribbon of traditions. They become a part of us. Some we cherish. Others we laugh at. Some we take into marriage. Others we leave behind.
One thing is certain . . . traditions are an important part of Christmas. It’s never too late to add a new ritual, because traditions are our memory makers.
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It’s the perfect place to pray. In the shower, that is.
With a husband, three little girls, and a barky Schnauzer, there isn’t always a whole lot of alone time at my house. So a shower can provide at least a few quiet minutes all to myself.
It has other prime prayer spot benefits, as well. Tears and runny mascara can be washed away quickly. Soft sobs are muffled by the sound of both water and exhaust fan running. And there, standing literally naked before the Lord, you are able to pour out all of your hurts, fears, and doubts without hesitation.
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Written on
November 21, 2012 by
Carol in
Blog
In a cabin on the edge of the Smoky Mountains, she sits together at a table with her parents and children. In her eyes are strength and beauty, but behind them there is brokenness and despair.
Her one true love left the earth too soon and the thought of going through the holidays without him is almost too much. In the quiet of her mind, she has relived the entire last Thanksgiving – the meal, the conversations, the games played and even the private laughs they shared when no one else was around.
She isn’t alone. There are many today who will take this day one breath at a time.
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