Seeing as it is Christmas Eve, I am automatically thinking of traditions. Many of us have traditions in our own families, and when we merge families together, sometimes celebrating all of the traditions can be a task. This year, I am so very lucky to have some members of my family staying with me this Christmas. My parents are here, bringing the traditions that I had growing up, and my sister and her husband and two kids are here, bringing their own traditions. Let’s not forget my husband, and his family traditions. So, this year, we are essentially celebrating three sets of family traditions.
My Mother’s birthday is Christmas Eve. So, for us, we always have a birthday to celebrate on Christmas Eve, as well as Christmas Day. My Mom has always loved to read us ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. I remember our copy as a child being very worn and used by the time I left home. That was our favorite book to look at. We read it over and over. She will bring her newer copy, I’m sure, seeing as the old one has been long gone. We also had the tradition of opening one gift on Christmas Eve.
My husband’s family always gets together Christmas Eve for their celebrations. They read Luke Chapter 2, and remember Christ’s birth. We have incorporated that into our family as well. It is a special time to sit, and be quiet, and remember the birth of the Savior.
My sister and her husband have also carried on the tradition of reading ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, opening one gift (which they always give pajamas), and going caroling.
Whatever traditions you have, it is always nice to incorporate the traditions of other families that you might be celebrating with. To make sure no one felt left out this year, we sent a preemptive email asking everyone to share something they would like to do since we were all together, so that no one feels forgotten, and no meaningful tradition is missed. I think it’s a great way to help everyone feel included, no matter how many family tradition families you are trying to blend.
Related Articles:
Christianity Leaves No Room for Hate
A Muslim Mommy and a Mormon Mommy