It’s Almost Christmas

What traditions make Christmas special for your family From silly snowflake sweaters to heirloom decorations, almost everyone has some cherished tradition which, if absent, would ruin Christmas.

The smell of Christmas morning is like none other. Joe, Jane, John, and Jessica’s stockings are bulging with goodies .The fireplace is crackling to the tune of “Frosty the Snowman.” Each present has been meticulously wrapped with holiday paper and big bright bows. Then you hear the children awake from their dreams of a jolly bearded man and his magical reindeer. It is hard not to smile as the pitter of their feet head to the Christmas tree. Suddenly, they pounce on you: “Santa was here! Santa brought presents.” As they drag you to the see all the awe and wonder that Santa has left…the Christmas Day tradition begins.

What takes months and multiple pay checks to buy is opened and assembled in a matter of minutes. From here the path takes each family to their own tradition. Do you:

• Build a snowman
• Go sledding
• Prepare a special Christmas breakfast
• Deliver some presents to the local shelter or orphanage
• Pick up grandparents from the airport

Then, it is time for the mom to prepare Christmas dinner. There is pure bliss coming from the other room, as the kids and dad try out all the new toys. Grandma sings along to Elvis’s Christmas collection. She remembers when she was the cook, and her little girl was busy counting all the pieces to her new doll house. She laughs a little as she asks: “What can I do to help”

Mother and daughter prepare a feast fit for royalty. Maybe it features:

• Turkey or ham
• Stuffing
• Cranberry sauce
• Pecan Pie
• Mashed Potatoes
• Yams
• Great grandmother’s sweet potato recipe

Everyone is stuffed from that second slice of pie. Now it’s nearly time for the final activity of the day. Is it:

• Time to head to church
• Time to go caroling
• Time to watch “It’s a wonderful life”
• Time to serve the holiday meal to the homeless shelter

Not every family celebrates the same traditions. Some are quite modern and others are rooted in the distant past.. While Christmas traditions may vary, the point is still the same. It doesn’t matter what you do, it is your family’s Christmas traditions that makes Christmas special.

Recommended book from Amazon: Heart of the Holidays: Holiday Inspirations Yuletide Treasures & Traditions