As a child, we had simple holiday traditions. We worked together to decorate the house and the Christmas tree as we ate cookies, drank eggnog and listened to the Mariah Carey Christmas album. Rummaging through boxes, untangling the lights, hanging ornaments on the tree, and most of all, being together are my fondest memories.
It was never about the presents. It was the magic and warmth that came from being together. We were the family that did everything together – family movie nights, family game nights, we all even worked together at one point! We have always been a very close family, and so for simple reasons, Christmas became my favorite holiday.
holiday traditions are being forgotten
Although over the years we moved apart, got married, and had children, the warmth of Christmas still lives inside me. The magic, the music, the cheesy movies, the snow, the pine tree scented candles… I love it all! Sadly, as I’m becoming older, I’m noticing I’m surrounded by Grinches! I couldn’t understand at first… why do so many people dislike Christmas?
I’m no expert, but I believe we’re forgetting the true spirit of Christmas. We have become attuned to the rushing, the stress, and the money spending. That’s not Christmas. Christmas joy doesn’t come from the presents you receive or how much money you spend, it’s about giving. Selfless giving is the purest form of happiness.
holiday traditions to begin again:
1. take time to reflect
This holiday tradition is possibly the most overlooked. It’s easy to become caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas. Some of us are busy shopping for the perfect gifts, arranging holiday parties, or working longer hours. While others are experiencing personal hardships and trying to make ends meet.
No matter the case, remember to take time to accept, appreciate, and remember all that you have and all you’ve endured. The good and the bad create an equal balance of harmony in our lives. Without one, the other ceases to exist. Take note of the many reasons you have to be thankful this Christmas.
Common methods for reflection include:
- Meditation
- Writing in a journal
- Walking through nature
2. send christmas cards
I remember my mom placing our Christmas cards on display every year. They were beautiful, hand-written cards with pictures of their families alongside, and I got excited every time a new one arrived in the mail. I couldn’t wait until I was adult enough to mail my own Christmas cards. Imagine my surprise that no one send them anymore!
I understand we live in changing world where everything is becoming engulfed by technology, but this year why not recall a fond memory or check in on a friend by sending a Christmas card? Holiday traditions can be so simple! It isn’t necessary to send money or a gift to ‘give’, sometimes ‘giving’ is simply showing we care. For inspiration on what to write, Hallmark will never let you down.
3. spend time with family
There is no bond stronger than family. My mom once told me, “your friends will come and go, but your family will always be here.” I remember thinking, “gosh, I don’t know what you’re talking about. You guys drive me crazy.” 15 years later, I can attest that she was correct.
No matter the task – shopping, baking yummy treats, watching a cheesy holiday rom-com, volunteering, getting a Christmas-themed manicure – all are great holiday traditions. I admit I’m guilty of not setting aside enough time for family lately, but watching the snow fall today had me reminiscing about being with my mom in the kitchen making white chocolate Oreo cookie balls.
4. give to those in need
Christmas and giving go hand in hand. Although Christmas has gotten a bad rep due to the money spent on holiday shopping, it isn’t about what you give. The newest gaming console or trendiest handbag is not what will be remembered. An act of kindness will never be forgotten. Most often, ones who need help the most are those who don’t ask.
Have you noticed someone who may be struggling or has recently gone through a difficult situation? Giving or doing a little something special may not seem like much but to someone it may make all the difference.
Another great option is to donate to a local organization or church. There are many who accept food, clothes and toy donations and will ensure it’s given to someone in need.
5. look at christmas lights
When I was younger, all the houses in our neighborhood decorated for Christmas. It was truly like living in a magical, winter wonderland – except it was warm and there was no snow. But I loved staring at all the festive, bright lights. There’s something about being with your family “oooh-ing” and “ahhh-ing” at the spectacle of lights.
I don’t support paying to see lights – spending $100 for my family to see lights is highway robbery. Driving around town is a perfect (and free) alternative. Whether you reside in a rural area or a metropolis, there are always Christmas lights to be seen and admired.
So start new holiday traditions and grab your kiddos, a thermos full of hot cocoa, some cookies and go for a drive! Chances are they’ll remember the magic for the rest of their lives. I know I will!
6. remember why we celebrate
“Our celebration of Christmas should be a reflection of the love and selflessness taught by the Savior. Giving, not getting, brings to full bloom the Christmas spirit. We feel more kindly one to another. We reach out in love to help those less fortunate. Our hearts are softened. Enemies are forgiven, friends remembered, and God obeyed. The spirit of Christmas illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world’s busy life and become more interested in people than in things. To catch the real meaning of the spirit of Christmas, we need only seek the Spirit of Christ.
May we give as the Savior gave. To give of oneself is a holy gift. We give as a remembrance of all the Savior has given. May we also give gifts that have eternal value, along with our gifts that eventually break or are forgotten. How much better the world would be if we all gave gifts of understanding and compassion, of service and friendship, of kindness and gentleness.
As the Christmas season envelops us with all its glory, may we, as did the Wise Men, seek a bright, particular star to guide us in our celebration of the Savior’s birth. May we all make the journey to Bethlehem in spirit, taking with us a tender, caring heart as our gift to the Savior. May we lift our eyes heavenward and look upward and outward into the lives of others. May we remember this Christmas season that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
Thomas S. Monson
holiday traditions to remember
No matter your religion, Christmas has been celebrated since the year 336 to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Before we opened presents on Christmas Day, we read a Christmas story from the Bible. It reminded us all to appreciate and understand the true meaning of Christmas.
This year, teach your children why we celebrate Christmas – it’s not about Santa Clause or what’s inside those perfectly wrapped presents. Share the story of the Birth of Christ, the Three Wise Men and The Star of Bethlehem. Never forget that humility is the true meaning of Christmas.
“Let us not remove the person whom this season is named after. Let us follow his humble example of self-emptying through his incarnation. Let us empty ourselves once and for all from all the demands, stress, anxiety, obligations, desires, injustices, and sometimes bitterness that fill our interiors.”
Reverend Father Joseph Hector Abound
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