Christmas Traditions

"Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time."
~Laura Ingalls Wilder

For those of you who know me well (or knew me as a kid), you know that my all-time favorite TV show was Little House on the Prairie, so this quotation caught my attention for more than one reason! However, more than its author, I value the sentiment. It has me thinking about how I can become more "childlike" this Christmas. I think that over the past few years, I have lost some of that joy of Christmas, and can't help but think that it's because I have not approached it as a child.

Along with a childlike approach to Christmas comes traditions. Perhaps there are never so many traditions associated with Christmas than as a child (or for those of you who have children, as you build those traditions with your kids). I started thinking tonight about some of my favorite memories from Christmases past, and wondering how many of those memories involved traditions that perhaps could be embraced once again.

I think about Christmases in Tucson with my Grandpa & Grandma Mobley, and how even 14 years after their deaths, I can almost feel their contentment and joy in Christ. My Grandpa always read the Christmas story to us on Christmas morning, and I can hear his quiet voice echoing the words - seldom did my Grandpa speak unless in prayer, preaching, or encouragement. When he was still preaching, we'd always go to church at some point and hear him preach. There were lots of games played around the kitchen table in Tucson - no matter who was there, we enjoyed the fellowship.

Then there's Christmas in Friona with my Grandpa and Grandma Stewart. The tone was altogether different as I was growing up, because my Grandpa was an atheist. However, he allowed us that day to say a prayer over our Christmas meal, and we always enjoyed many laughs and often a game of cards around the table. Once, when I was home from college, I remember that my Grandparents had come into Amarillo on Christmas Eve to be with us the next day. Somehow I managed to sweet talk my Grandpa into coming to the Candlelight service. Except for my sister's wedding, that was the first time I had ever seen him set foot inside the church. I was so thrilled. Now I can't help but think upon my precious Grandpa, who died last February, without thanking God for His faithfulness. God allowed my Grandpa, despite his advanced leukemia, to hang on until he finally and wholly believed in God. And then God blessed us even more with a couple more years to be able to watch my Grandpa realize the fullness of life lived with God - even if it was one crippled with illness.

Christmases in my childhood home in Amarillo were also filled with traditions, as well as traditions built as my sister and I have reached adulthood. I'll save those for another day, but at the moment I find myself wrapped up in the childhood memories in my Grandparents' homes, and so grateful to God for those traditions that are so precious to me. I can't help but reflect on them and long to return to the childlike experiences of those times, if not in age, at least in my heart.

I would love to hear from you - what were your favorite Christmas traditions as a child? Are these traditions you have continued as an adult? Have you any new traditions?

From my heart to yours, may you find that childlike joy and awe this Christmas season.
~Sheryl