Traditions, past and present.
Growing up: I loved the secrecy and excitement--waking up early Christmas morning, sitting downstairs in the living room with only the lights of the Christmas tree on. I loved the stockings spread out across the table on Christmas morning. I loved handing out gifts one at a time and opening them for all to see. I loved the Light of Christ program every year--especially singing Silent Night with the lights of the Christmas tree shining softly on. I loved playing games together on Christmas day and the big Christmas dinner. I loved having Gma Lee there and any other family that could make it.
Now: Our Light of Christ FHE is #1 on our list. We also read a Christmas scripture and story every night before bed in the whole month. We exchange names and on Christmas Eve, we go to the BYU bookstore (where everything is at least 50% off) and have a $5 limit. Then we get it gift wrapped for free and come home for Christmas Eve dinner. Our dinner is usually ham and fixings. The tradition we brought over from Zach's family is to hang a white sheet over the door to our family room in the basement on Christmas Eve and the kids line up by age the next morning. Then we go through the sheet and see the splendor:) We have sticky buns in the morning for breakfast and I make ham and bean soup and rolls for dinner. We play games and sit by the fire and have lots of fun.
What were some of your favorite traditions growing up? What about now?
13 years ago
3 comments:
My mom use to take us bowling on Christmas Eve. She needed something to tire us out! We still go on the years we spend Christmas with her.
With the Henry's we go on a hayride to see the lights (it's going to be cold tonight!) and then gather for soup, hot chocolate, games, and goodies.
Our family has a big breakfast Chritmas Eve morning. We read the Christmas story, open jammies, and Stuart gives each of the children a blessing. Our way of giving them something special from our Father in Heaven.
I've been thinking a lot about traditions. The marvelous thing about them, is how they bring families together. No matter what, traditions always bring you back to family, whether that is in memory or in person.
I don't have many traditions from my youth. But one thing my Mom always did on Christmas morning was to make cinnamon rolls. Yummy.
I think the lack of tradition in my youth is the driving force behind all the new ones I'm clumsily trying to implement with my own family.
I would love details on your Light of Christ FHE. What do you do?
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