I truly enjoy chilly mornings when I can cuddle in a warm blanket on the couch and sip on some hot chocolate or hot tea. They are rare. Having grown up in the midwest, I miss the cooler mornings as well as days. Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy the warm weather the southern part of the US has most days, yet a few mornings like this one is nice.
The Christmas preparations are in full “go mode” in this house. Parties are being attended, programs are almost ready to be seen and participated in, and gifts are being wrapped and made. The hustle and bustle is in full swing!
I absolutely love Christmas time and even the preparations. Christmas traditions are a big part of our preparations for this holiday. One tradition that my son and I have is making and delivering Christmas goodies to our neighbors. Our sweet neighbors have come to look forward to this tradition of our coming by with goodies each year. In fact, if we are later than the year before in delivering their goodies, they mention it. (chuckle) This warms my heart. My son can’t wait to make the goodies and take them around to our neighbors. He enjoys giving. His tender heart is a blessing to this mamma. Why not try this idea this year? I know, you may be thinking that you already have a lot on your plate right now–(no pun intended–LOL)–but, why not? Trust me. It is such a joy to make cookies or simple goodies with your children and take them to some shut-ins, local firehouses or police stations, neighbors, etc. It is a great way to teach our children the spirit of giving. I started doing this with my son when he was 2. He is now 10. Mind you, it has gotten a bit easier as he has aged, but the memories are priceless.
Another Christmas tradition I have participated in since I was a child is making a homemade gift for my siblings and parents. When I was young, we didn’t have a lot of money to spend on gifts, so my parents started the tradition of our making a homemade gift for each other and opening them up on Christmas Eve. I love this tradition! My sisters, parents, and I have kept this tradition going even though miles separate us. I must say that the gifts have progressed quite a bit from wrapped colored blocks when we were young. (chuckle) Nevertheless, I look forward to making something to send to each of them even though we can’t be with each other at Christmas most years. As we open these gifts, for a brief moment the miles tend to fade away and we are back together in spirit. These are special times.
Traditions are made sometimes out of necessity and sometimes to bring each other closer. Either way, traditions kept throughout the years are always kept in our hearts. I encourage you to set up some special traditions with your children if you haven’t already. You will not regret the blessings that come.
