I love this time of year and everything about it. The tree, the decorations, the party, and the all-encompassing warmth.
If you were here in person, we’d prepare a large mug of hot chocolate and serve your choice of flavored marshmallows or whipped cream topped with Christmas sprinkles and chocolate chips. The house will be filled with Christmas music and the smell of my favorite Christmas candles burning.
I want to make this season memorable for my family. We emphasize the true meaning of Christmas, of course the birth of the Savior, but we also enjoy the cultural “stuff” that comes with it: lights, laughter, baking, etc. (some years more than others).
Do we have traditions too?
One day when my children were young, we were riding in the car and my son suddenly asked, “Why don’t we have any Christmas traditions?” Immediately my heart started racing. I have failed my children! What mother doesn’t have Christmas traditions? Then I took a breath, thought for a moment, and asked, “So, what do you do every Christmas?”
We started making lists.
– Watching old Christmas movies.
– I read the same inspiring picture book every year.
– Each child chooses a new ornament to put on the tree.
– Hang up the Christmas cards you received and pray for each person who sent you a card.
– Hang stockings filled with candy in your entryway for visitors.
– I listen to Christmas music nonstop.
As we talked, we realized that did have a traditionShion! However, it looked different than what I had imagined. We spent Christmas morning one year handing out bagged lunches to people experiencing homelessness in Washington, DC. I made some handmade decorations this year as well. We always placed a crown of thorns on the tree and hung nails in the branches to remind us why we were celebrating. Every year looked a little different, and it was Understood.
do what you can with what you have
We never had a lavish Christmas. Our budget is always limited, so we make the most of what we have and refuse to go into debt. There was a year when we didn’t have a “picture perfect” tree. One year I just couldn’t afford to buy the real thing. I remember putting up two small artificial trees and trying to convince my family that everything would be special.
And you know what? it was.
Because even if it didn’t look perfect, it was real. we laughed. we sang. We thanked God for what we have: each other and His abiding love. Paul wrote, “I learned to be content no matter the situation.” (Philippians 4:11) That scripture came alive for me that year. It wasn’t about what was under the tree. It was about the contentment and gratitude that only Christ can give.
What will they remember?
As my children grew older, I began to ask: “What will they remember about our Christmas?” Do they remember their mother, whose tree fell apart because it wasn’t perfect? Or maybe a mother who created something special with what she had? Will they remember me as someone who valued decorations or someone whose heart was focused on glorifying Jesus all year long?
I hope they remember a home filled with peace and not pressure. I want my children to remember a mother who loved and respected her father, who served her family with joy, who asked for forgiveness and who admitted that she was wrong. I want them to remember that I lived out the most important gift of all: the gospel.
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. ” (John 1:14)
That is the true meaning of Christmas. God steps into our broken world and brings peace where there is chaos, hope where there is despair, and joy where there is sadness.
a gift that lasts
I still love giving gifts, wrapping presents, baking cookies, and decorating the house. Each of those things is good, fun, and meaningful in its own way. But as we grow older, we realize that the most precious gift we can give our children is not what’s under the tree. These are the invisible gifts: forgiveness, faith, gratitude, humility, and love.
A gift that can be used for a long time, beyond the seasons. Will not break or wear out. They are gifts that reflect the heart of Christ.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the heavenly Father of Lights. ” (James 1:17)
When my children look back on their childhood, I want them to remember that their parents loved Jesus more than Christmas itself, and that Jesus was the center of our celebrations and our lives.
big picture
I know families who have a lavish Christmas filled with presents and sparkling trees, yet lack peace in their homes. My calendar is full but my heart is fullpt. Even in “Christian” families, it is easy to put Jesus on the back burner. I can’t resist that temptation, but I don’t want that to be our story. We want our home to be a place where Christ can be worshiped, not just in December, but throughout the year.
My prayer is that we remember the Christ of Christmas every day, in every decision, in every word, in every heart of yours.I agree. May our worship extend beyond the manger scene to everyday moments of obedience, kindness, and love.
Because worship is more than just songs we sing. It’s the life we live.
heart of worship
Sometimes I imagine the shepherds kneeling on the straw, overwhelmed by Wong, on their first Christmas night.Oh. The angels just declared, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to those who enjoy him. ” (Luke 2:14)
They did not come with lavish gifts or perfect performances, but with worship of the Lord. That’s what I want for my family. For yourself. It’s about coming before God tired, imperfect, and sometimes broken and loving Him.
Oh let’s worship HI. It happens not only when the candles flicker on Christmas Eve, but also on ordinary Tuesdays. Not only when the tree is lit up, but also when the laundry is piling up. We breathe it every day, not just in December. Because He alone is worthy.
“For today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you, Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)
That’s the reason for every light, every song, every celebratory moment.
all year round
Once the Christmas decorations are put away and the tree is taken down, life returns to its normal rhythm. Still, the calls continue. Oh, let us worship Christ the Lord! May our homes be a place to glorify Christ all year long. May our hearts remember that the joy of Christmas is the joy of knowing the Lord. And may our children grow up remembering the Savior and not just the seasons.
Because the most beautiful of all traditions is the life of worship.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Ritthichai
Gina Smith is a wife of 37 years, mother of two, and grandmother of three. She is a writer and author, and wrote her first published book during the empty nest years. She has a passion for working with young people, encouraging them, strengthening them in God, and learning from them. Gina can be found on her website www.ginalsmith.com and her book Everyday Prayers for Joy can be found wherever books are sold.
