Traditions impact our early memories. During the holiday season especially, we reminisce about our own childhood memories and impressions.
We always went . . .
We never opened gifts until . . .
Mom always made . . .
Dad always put . . .
These traditions are something we carry with us, and we blend them together with our spouse’s and create or continue them with our children. We celebrate values and repeat them annually. How can we weave our values into everyday life during the Christmas season?
Honoring Christ
Celebrate the message of Christ coming to earth with advent calendars, nativity scenes, family devotions, Christmas concerts, or have a simple birthday party for Jesus.
Showing His Love to My Family
Celebrate the time for families being together! Shopping trips to the busy mall can be made fun if we focus on what we can give to each other. Family events can also include caroling, touring Christmas lights, reading bedtime stories under the tree, baking cookies, or planning family surprises.
Showing His Love to His World
It is the hallmark of God’s people that they care for the poor and needy among them. Whether it is packing treats for a local shelter or a shoebox to gift to children all over the world, we can set an example of giving and reaching out to others. There are many opportunities for delivering food, serving at a shelter, adopting a family or missionary, helping an elderly person with decorations, babysitting for a young family, or giving to a food bank.
Model and mentor that core value in your relationships this season: first with God, then with your family, and then with others.