What is the meaning of tradition? The word has several definitions including something practiced, rooted, established, long-lived or generational. It can be an attitude, belief or custom. Thinking about our family’s Christmas traditions and why I love them so much, those words fit perfectly.
Traditions are rooted in long-lived and well established behaviors. For me, the traditions themselves feel like home. They evoke emotion and instant nostalgia. The smell of traditional Christmas treats baking, the lyrics of Christmas music, the sight of our nativity and decorated Christmas tree all speak to my heart in layers, taking me back to Christmases past, while creating memories in the present and also brimming with hope for the future. I think that is why I love the Advent season so much—it connects us to more than meets the eye.
In my adult life, I have carried on some treasured childhood traditions, while creating new ones with my husband and kids. Over the years, I’ve often wondered which of our traditions the kids will hold onto and what new traditions they will create. That tension is the beauty of legacy, I suppose. My Mom loves Christmas and I embraced her enthusiasm whole-heartedly, to now raising three more Christmas enthusiasts.
Here are some of my favorite childhood traditions that I’ve carried on in one way or another:
Baking Christmas treats together. Currently, it’s pumpkin bread, but when I was young it was mom’s fudge and popcorn balls. (Those get my hands way too sticky, but they sure are delicious!)
One Christmas when I was a teen and our budget was extremely tight, Mom wrapped three gifts for each of us, symbolizing the three wise men and the gifts they brought Jesus. I love the simplicity this creates and the focus on Jesus, even in our gift-giving. My husband and I have carried that tradition on with our children.
We have always had a “countdown to Christmas” calendar. When I was young, it had a treat inside each little door. Now, my kids choose a paper telling what our Advent activity will be that day.
As a child, we went Christmas caroling to nursing homes with my extended family several different times. Years later, my husband and I make Christmas caroling a part of every December.
So many other traditions stand out in my mind and make me smile. These practiced moments become embedded into our heart and soul, marking a lifetime. This happens not only at Christmas, but any special moment, established by togetherness and continually practiced with intentionality.
I hope that as you reflect on your own traditions from days gone by, you feel a sense of rootedness and a longing to connect the generations past with generations present. They don’t need to be fancy, expensive, or elaborate—just intentionally celebrate in some of the same ways, year after year, and you’ve created traditions.
Meet the Author!
Heather McAnear is a wife, mom, author and speaker with a passion for sharing God's truth to help women understand their uniquely beautiful design and how to use it for God's glory! In fact, Heather hosts the Uniquely Beautiful Stories podcast on iTunes in hopes do just that! She loves teaching young married couples with her husband, time with her three teen-aged children, traveling, enjoying good chocolate and long conversations in coffee shops. CRBC has been her church home for more than two decades and serving on the Women's Ministry team has been one of her greatest joys!