Christmas Traditions

I love Christmas traditions! Through the years, our family has enjoyed several of our own. For example, it’s against house rules to listen to Christmas music until after Thanksgiving (a rule we always seem to be breaking). Almond Roca is the must have Christmas cookie we bake. We celebrate the advent wreath on the Sundays of December. We have a strict rule that there shall be absolutely no peeking under the tree (except for me).
When it comes to Christmas tree traditions, we all sit quietly (making no comments) as Steve untangles the lights and wraps them around the pine branches. Then we turn on Bing Crosby Christmas music as we each hang our favorite ornaments--maybe in our favorite Christmas socks. We finish by sitting before the tree with hot cocoa.
On Christmas Eve night, Steve eats the cookies left for Santa and leaves a thank you note on the cookie plate. Christmas day, we light sparklers, which is a leftover tradition from our years in Colombia. We always read the Christmas story before we open presents.
For several years, each member of our family had a Christmas journal. As we reflected on the Christmas story during December, we would write our thoughts and insights about God’s gift of Jesus to us. We would share our journals with each other. It was a time of Christmas worship together. Of all our family traditions, I like this one the best. I love when we worship together as a family.
Here are some great resources for times of worship with your family. They would make great Christmas gifts for your kids!
Hands-on devotionals like “God & Me: Devotions for Girls" and "Gotta Have God: Fun Devotions for Boys,” both by Legacy Press, include Bible stories, questions, prayers, and great activity pages in separate, age-based volumes (ages 2-5, 6-9, 10-12).
“My First Message: a Devotional Bible for Kids” by Eugene H. Peterson targets ages 4-8 with artwork from former Disney animators, Rob Corley and Tom Bancroft. It is based on four key elements: Reading the Bible, thinking about what it means, praying in response to what it says, and living out the truth.
“My First Message Bible Search: Discovering Answers in God's Word" by Jon Nappa helps children ages 6-10 find scriptures that talk about sadness, anger, fear, and obedience.
For an easy-start family devotional, try “Step into the Bible: 100 Bible Stories for Family Devotions” by Ruth Graham. This bright, colorful devotional includes a Bible reading, questions to answer, and a verse to memorize.
If you're looking for a daily devotional, the “Adventure Bible Book of Devotions (NIV)” from Zonderkidz is a 365-day devotional book for children ages 9-12. This study goes along with the Adventure Bible.
Audio devotionals work great for those families on the go to practices, lessons, the store, etc. “Bible Eyewitness Hall of Faith” from Adventures in Odyssey offers 12 audio episodes featuring the Bible’s greatest heroes.
There is always room for one more tradition. Perhaps this Christmas your desire is to include a time together with your family to worship Jesus the Savior. Remember, family worship is a tradition that can last all year!