Sunday, November 29, 2009

Christmas Traditions

I am working on assembling our advent calendar tonight, one of my favorite Christmas season traditions as a child. Growing up, my brother and I would open a piece of paper from our advent wall hanging on each day of December, leading up to Christmas. Continuing this tradition, I write something on each day's paper -- sometimes an activity for the children to do, such as taking food to the food pantry, singing and dancing to Christmas carols, driving around to look at Christmas lights, or making cookies for a neighbor. Sometimes, it's a small gift to open, other times a Bible trivia question to answer. I like this tradition because it allows our Christmas activities to be spread out throughout the month and allows lots of opportunity for conversations about the meaning of Christmas and opportunity for sharing with others.

Our kids are just now getting to the age that meaningful traditions are beginning to be important. I want to be intentional about establishing holiday and family traditions that they will enjoy and possibly carry into their families someday.

So, I'm looking for ideas . . . What are your favorite Christmas season traditions?

3 comments:

Tonia Hobbs said...

I am so with you on "traditions"! I had a "good childhood" . . . but not alot of traditions. I will be anxious to see your comments.
I read one the other day that I thought was sweet. I suppose on Chrismas Eve their kiddos would put on their pj's, mom would load up car with snacks, and they would drive around and look at lights, come home and get tucked in bed. . .

Cori said...

My Nanny always reads the Christmas Story out of the Bible. Everyone else sits in a circle (sometimes with candles) and listens. Afterwards, we all sing "Oh, Holy Night." Now that we are older, we have a gingerbread house contest!

Shannon said...

Our very favorite is our Jesus birthday party. We go all out and make invitations, decorate, blow up balloons, the boys wrap up presents from them to Him (so sweet and funny!), we sing, have red velvet and cream cheese birthday cake with candles, etc. :)