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Christmas Traditions

December 19, 2024

If you ask AI the top 10 Christmas traditions in America, this is what you will find:

  • Decorating: Decorate a tree, hang mistletoe, and use candles, wreaths, angels, and candy canes 

  • Watching movies: Watch a classic holiday movie or a movie about the life of Christ 

  • Baking: Bake cookies or holiday treats 

  • Sending cards: Send Christmas cards 

  • Listening to music: Listen to Christmas songs 

  • Giving gifts: Give gifts or participate in a gift exchange 

  • Spending time with loved ones: Spend time with family and friends 

  • Going ice skating: Lace up your skates and enjoy the festive music and Christmas tree 

  • Reading Christmas stories: Read classic Christmas stories like A Christmas Carol, The Night Before Christmas, Little Women, or The Christmas Story 

  • Giving back: Donate to a toy drive or volunteer at a shelter or hospital

Sure, I can say that I too share in all 10 of these traditions almost every year.  There have been years where I have set an expectation that all of these activities must happen in order to have a memorable and magical Christmas, but I’m trying to free myself of checklists and moving towards intentional moments with those I love and with my fellow neighbor. It's not about the activity, but rather about the memories and the exchange of love that happens in these spaces.

Here are a few activities that have provided space for me to make last memories:

  1. Christmas at the Rupert Square:

    Our family tries to make it to my hometown the day after Thanksgiving for an old-fashioned Christmas.  The town square is a place filled with thousands of Christmas lights, booths, food trucks, fireworks, and a skating rink.  The locals, as well as transported natives come back to Rupert for this special moment.  It’s a space where family is valued and  I can celebrate the launch of the Christmas season.

  2. Christmas Programs:

    Whether it’s at a church candlelight service, or a school program full of kids singing Christmas carols, there is something memorable and magical about a crowd of people celebrating and singing together.  The sound of many collective voices fills my soul with both joy and nostalgia.  Hearing the story of Jesus’ entry from a regal throne to a humble manger brings me deep gratitude.

  3. Christmas Shopping: 

    It’s not the shopping I love as much as the time that I get to spend with my daughter.  She loves to give gifts and brainstorm ideas that would make others feel seen.  The moments we spend talking in the car, and the moments of seeing her eyes light up when she finds the perfect gift are the memories that I extract from the hustle and bustle.  

  4. Hanging Stockings by the Cozy Fire:

    Hanging stockings only takes a moment.  The stockings hung by the fireplace are a symbol that winter is here but there is a warm cozy place to snuggle up with a loved one.  The fireplace is where we get to feel a piece of heaven as we take a break from our busy day to warm up and nestle near those we love.  Each stocking represents a reminder of 3 other people, and a goofy dog,  that I am blessed to share life with.  

  5. Celebrations and Meals:

    Yes the food is nice, but its the quality time that we spend together that makes the memories.  Catching up on life and hearing each other’s stories warms the heart on a cold night.  Sharing in each other’s triumphs and tragedies brings us closer together and helps us remember that we were made to live life in community.