I've struggled big time with Christmas traditions. Our time as children was split between mom and dad, and understandably, neither one had too much time with us to establish solid consistent traditions. My mom absolutely hated Santa Claus. I do remember listening to the nutcracker suite and running around like crazy children. Now as a mom I realize my mom allowed this just to tire us out. Good one mom. We also always got a nutcracker every year. I don't know if my mom had any reason behind this, it has been a sweet memory.
My husband grew up believing in Santa. His mom went all out for Christmas and he remembers this season as particularly magical. We really are coming from completely opposite experiences in this aspect. He had every bell and every whistle, and we kept it as simple as it could be.
So now we have our own kids. And I think I've started to come up with some good traditions! I have wanted to give my children some magic as well as keeping the message of the season simple. This is a season of giving! Christmas is here because of Christ. I understand Christmas to be Christ-mas: more Christ. More love, more kindest, more giving, more forgiveness. How do we keep this message clear and bright while we're bombarded by all the "getting".
So we will teach our kids about Santa. And always that he is an apostle of Christ; he gives of himself and spreads joy. I want them to pick a few of their own toys to leave out for Santa to take to other kids around the world. Milk and cookies? No thanks, Santa is healthy (you know he follows the word of wisdom right? 😉), but he does want to keep giving. So we can help him. And when we give we will receive many blessings in return (ie, more new gifts...). I like this.
Also, the first give we will open is going to be a baby Jesus that goes in the nativity. He is the gift. He is why we are so blessed.
We will read the story of Christ's birth. We will drive around to see lights. We will make sugar cookies. We'll listen to Christmas music, decorate the house, and spend time together.
As the years go on, and my kids get older, and we have more practice at this thing called a family, I'm sure we will think of more ways to incorporate the goodness and meaning of Christmas. For now, I hope they understand that most of all, we love one another.
