I love this time of year, picking out the perfect thing or making something so sweet for those special people in our lives, but I hate, hate, hate, the commercialization of it. What do Transformers or Barbie have to do with the birth of our Savior?
A Christmas tradition we started to curb this is to tie the gift giving in with the story of the Nativity. Our children are given three gifts each as a representation of each of the three gifts baby Jesus got on the day he was born. We read Luke 2 on Christmas Eve and many stories about giving all the way up to that night. Yes, there is the "magic" of Santa who brings the gifts in the middle of the night, "how does he do it?" But we want our children to know the real reason we celebrate this time of year because we were given the ultimate gift when Christ was born.
You are so right! Sometimes it is hard to remember the real reasons for Christmas and not get so involved in all the other "stuff". Thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteThankyou misty For helping me realize the real meaning of christmas. I think that is a good tradition I am going to have to do something like with my children . All they say is i want, i want and want. They are given so much during the year but at christmas they expect more. Thanks, i sent you a christmas card with a family pic!
ReplyDeleteI agree. {Sigh} that does ease the pressure of the gift thing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great testimony for your children! We also have those kinds of traditions in our home too! We make a birthday cake for Jesus and also read the birth of Jesus as well.
ReplyDeleteI think it's a great tradition that you have!!