Merry Christmas to all!

As we move into Christmas Day, I thought I’d like to share some of my favorite Christmas traditions with all of you:

Every Christmas, my family always reads the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke (part of which I’ve quoted below) by a cozy fire in our den before we open the presents under the tree in the living room. As I’ve gotten older, it’s become one of my favorite Christmas traditions, and is one that I’ll definitely continue when I have children. I thought it’d be nice for you to share it with us this year.

The Birth of Jesus

    1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.

    4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

    8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

    13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 
    14″Glory to God in the highest, 
      and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

    15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

    16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. (NIV)

Since my paternal grandfather passed away two years ago, my grandmother has spent Christmas with us. This will be the third Christmas we’ve shared, and as my grandmother and I grow closer, each year becomes more special than the last. I don’t know how much time she has left, and so I want to make every moment count.

After we read Luke 2, we all scurry into the living room to share our gifts with one another. Another one of my favorite Christmas traditions is giving gifts. I love picking out just the perfect present for everyone on my list. I’m not always successful, but the thrill of it is intense. This year I think I came pretty close. I’ll let you know… My mom hates wrapping paper, at least after it’s been used, so ever since I can remember, the kitchen trash can has accompanied us into the living room, a ready receptacle for anything and everything that at one time concealed the perfect gift.

After we’ve completed the gift-exchanging and opening, my dad cooks a magnificent breakfast that includes all the trimmings, bacon, sausage, eggs, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, and even more. We stuff ourselves (my father is an amazing breakfast cook) and then enjoy some of the gifts we’ve received.

Usually, we have a large Christmas dinner, as well, but it depends on how full we are from breakfast when we eat it, and if it’s a lunch or a supper. My mom bakes either a ham or a turkey (it’s a wondrous ham this year) and we have another feast, usually with green bean casserole (my favorite), pumpkin pie, homemade bread (my grandmother’s finest), mashed potatoes, gravy, sometimes stuffing, and the list goes on and on.

We’re one of the families that usually goes to see a movie in the afternoon on Christmas Day, as well. This year, we may try to catch either Valkyrie or Bedtime Stories. We haven’t decided which, yet. Adam Sandler in a movie makes me nervous about its content, so I’m guessing Valkyrie, although it looks a little intense, too.

I try to make a habit of celebrating Christmas for at least a few days after Christmas as well, because it’s only the commercialized nonsense that ends at 11:59 p.m. on December 25. Christmas is supposed to last twelve days! I usually try give it a run for its money, although I’ve never made all twelve.

With all of the trimmings and ornaments aside, however, the most important traditions are simple: honoring our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and spending time with family. 

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas, from my family to yours. May this special day be filled with joy and wonder and love for the King of Kings.

Tags: bacon, biscuits and gravy, breakfast, Christian, Christianity, christmas, December, dinner, eggs, Family, gifts, gravy, green been casserole, ham, homemade bread, Jesus, mashed potatoes, Pumpkin Pie, sausage, traditions, turkey