Dec 15

Dec 15 Prepare the Way – Christmas Traditions

Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight paths for him…

and all people will see God’s salvation.

Luke 3:4 & 6 NIV

I have to say I have already had a favorite Christmas memory for this year even though days away from the actual holiday. One would not think a seven-year-old boy would pay much attention to anything except presents at Christmas time, but sometimes little boys surprise you.

At our house, I have stockings for each family member. Each one has the first initial of the person it represents. This year my grandson noticed the stockings at their house had no initials or names. He got notecards and wrote Mommy on one, Daddy on one, his name and his brother’s name on two more. He then attached one to each stocking. Problem solved. Tradition carried on.

What Christmas traditions do you and your family have? Do they have to do with decorations, food, games, gifting? Do they bring a smile to your face when you think about them?

One tradition which has remained steadfast through the years in our family is of the oldest male reading the Christmas story from the Bible. No matter whose house held the Christmas celebration, usually while someone read the story, the children grew restless and impatient.

Last year, I decided to change this tradition up a bit. I wrote the Christmas story a few sentences at a time on notecards in as simple English as I could think of. Everyone who could read got to draw a numbered notecard to read aloud in the order of the numbers. Children who could not read got pieces of the Nativity to add in the scene as others read the statements. I think we will try that again this year, a new tradition born.

Whether new or old, our traditions seem to draw us together and maybe even give us warm comfortable feelings. Getting the opportunity to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas makes for one of the best traditions of all.

God, during all the fun and festivities of the season help us to build some traditions honoring You. You are the reason we celebrate.

Susan Partida

Susan Partida

Susan Campbell Partida began writing poetry while still in Elementary School. Journal writing soon followed which eventually led to devotional writing, her favorite genre. Susan taught in both the public and private school settings. She ended her career working with Special Needs students who are near and dear to her heart.

Susan and her husband, Marty, have two adult daughters, one son-in-law, and two grandsons. She now spends her time babysitting grandsons, homemaking, spending time in the Bible, and writing as much as possible.