It's the last day of November, and if you're like me, you're already ordering your Christmas cards, checking your gift list, and getting that tree up.
But in the middle of the busy-ness of all the parties and fun, as moms, many of us are trying to be intentional about the Christmas holidays too. We don't want it to be just about the presents, Santa, or baking cookies. We want Christmas to be Christ-centered.
My oldest child is turning 4 this month, and she's finally at an age where she's really getting it. Easter was so special, and I'm glad that we spent time and energy to make it all about Christ's resurrection. I can't wait to see what we can do with Christmas.
I'm starting a series devoted to Christmas traditions, and every week, I'll share a quick post or two about how we're celebrating Christmas. But before we start, here's what you won't see in this series:
- Elves on Shelves. There are entire websites and Pinterest boards devoted to it. You don't need my ideas, especially since my babies seem to have stolen any creative brain cells I ever possessed. And anyway, I don't own an elf!
- Santa. The guy in the big red suit isn't talked about much at our house. It's not that we're anti-Santa; we just want Christmas to be about Christ. In our view, Santa is a little bit of a distraction from our primary focus, the birth of our savior. So celebrate Santa if you wish, but I'm just letting you know now that I don't have any traditions to add in that area.
- Perfection. Color-coordinated trees don't happen here at our house, but if you're looking for messy floors and a mommy who loves her kids and wants to lead them closer to the Lord, then pull up a chair. You're in the right place.
- A longer to-do list. Don't take my ideas and think "Ugh! More stuff that I've got to do." Some of these ideas have actually been on my radar for a couple of years now, and I'm only just now getting around to them. Why? Pregnancy. Morning sickness. Babies. Lung surgeries. Life. So I totally get if you're not in a stage of life where you can add anything else. I just like to approach every holiday by asking what can we change, add, or improve upon to make this holiday more meaningful and Christ-oriented, so that's my goal. And if your traditions are working for you and are effective in focusing the hearts of your family around Christ during the holidays, then keep doing what you're doing, and please share your ideas with us. I love learning from other moms.
- Super Crafty Stuff: Why? 'Cuz I'm just not that good! Sometimes I attempt a quick and easy craft, but these days it's rare. I'm just trying to get tacos cooked for dinner, y'all! So while I want to do cute little hand-made felt things or homemade ginger bread houses, I just can't right now, and that's OK.
It has taken me 3 babies to finally learn that there are seasons in life, and we've got to accept the season we're in. I'm not in the clever and crafty season. Perhaps that will come in time. Perhaps it won't. Regardless, I want a meaningful, Christ-centered, family-oriented Christmas season, and in this series, you'll see what we're doing this year.
None of these ideas are especially novel or creative, and I've taken them from my own childhood, from books, such as Noel Piper's Treasuring God in Our Traditions, or even from a conference hosted at my church with Kim Weir and Pam McCune, who spoke on Redeeming the Season. Some take very little time, but it is my hope that by being intentional as I enter every holiday season, my children will look back with fondness and warm memories, as I do. And most importantly, I want our entire family to grow closer to Christ as we celebrate His birth.
Along the way, I'd love to hear what you're doing at your home, so please share your thoughts, ideas for improvement, and your personal traditions. I look forward to hearing from you. If you're a blogger, I'd love for you to share links to your own posts about Christmas traditions.
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