As Christmas approaches, I have been thinking about traditions our family has created and carried on. There aren't many, it seems, and yet--there are.
We have a tree. I didn't really feel like putting it up, but was out-voted. It's up, colorful, and mood-lifting on these dark days here. We have gifts. I have been focusing on a less materialistic attitude, and yet want to commemorate the season with some things.
I find the music of the season really enjoyable, so have attended a number of musical events. Fortunately we still have children in school bands and such. And I must say, a college concert is fantastic! We enjoyed a sign-language Christmas concert last night in our local school district. It's also a real treat to listen to my favorite Pandora holiday stations along with the music I have collected through the years.
Putting some energy into giving to others outside our family is something we work at, too. This has been more of a quiet activity within the family as children have grown up and started their adult lives.
In the past we have made special treats, decorated gingerbread houses and cookies, and done other sweet activities together. But as things have changed, so has the emphasis of our celebrating. I really appreciate this time of year, and the light and good cheer and attitude of goodwill and hope this season seems to perpetuate.
People are nicer! If I stay out of the terribly congested parking lots of the mega-shopping-centers, strangers just seem kinder and more light-hearted.
What about you? What are your favorite traditions of the season?
We have a tree. I didn't really feel like putting it up, but was out-voted. It's up, colorful, and mood-lifting on these dark days here. We have gifts. I have been focusing on a less materialistic attitude, and yet want to commemorate the season with some things.
I find the music of the season really enjoyable, so have attended a number of musical events. Fortunately we still have children in school bands and such. And I must say, a college concert is fantastic! We enjoyed a sign-language Christmas concert last night in our local school district. It's also a real treat to listen to my favorite Pandora holiday stations along with the music I have collected through the years.
Putting some energy into giving to others outside our family is something we work at, too. This has been more of a quiet activity within the family as children have grown up and started their adult lives.
In the past we have made special treats, decorated gingerbread houses and cookies, and done other sweet activities together. But as things have changed, so has the emphasis of our celebrating. I really appreciate this time of year, and the light and good cheer and attitude of goodwill and hope this season seems to perpetuate.
People are nicer! If I stay out of the terribly congested parking lots of the mega-shopping-centers, strangers just seem kinder and more light-hearted.
What about you? What are your favorite traditions of the season?
2 comments:
Your traditions sound like ours. Definitely a tree, but it has to be real. I find odd joy in making sure the dumb needles are picked up and the thing has water. The gingerbread houses, now the kids are older, is fun! Did you see my blog post about that one? I make sure there is an FHE where we read the Christmas story, but scavenger hunt style using nativity pieces. At the end we put the Nativity together. Nothing too exciting, but these things get more fun as the kids get older.
I like the idea of a scavenger hunt, using. The nativity pieces. I will use that this Christmas!
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