Our Family's Traditions

One Christmas when our children were small, my husband and I decided that perhaps the children would sleep later on Christmas morning if we slept "under" the Christmas tree. We all took pillows and blankets and slept on the floor between the tree and the fireplace. The next year, sleeping under the tree was such a happy memory that we decided to do it again. That tradition continued--even after grandkids arrived.

Another of our Christmas traditions begins for me weeks before Christmas when I begin asking the Lord for a verse for each of our children for the coming year. When I sense I have found the appropriate verse for each one, I write them on pieces of paper, roll them up, and tie them with ribbons. These verses are the first presents they received on Christmas morning, and are the beginning of our devotions on this special day. 

Traditions make us feel we belong. God had His people celebrate holidays such as Passover, Hanukkah, and Purim-each one rich with traditions. Traditions around holidays will draw the family back together for decades.

Jesus, please lead us to the special traditions  that will most benefit our families.

"Celebrate this as a festival to the Lord for seven days each year. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come; celebrate it in the seventh month" (Leviticus 23:41).