I think it’s important that we keep some of the traditions of our families, but I think it’s also important that we develop our own traditions incorporating some of the traditions of people we know or that we find or make some new traditions which suit our beliefs and way of living. Traditions need to keep evolving to stay meaningful.

Childhood traditions

When I was young, we always had potatis korv, a wonderful Swedish sausage, on Christmas Eve before we opened our presents. This was just not possible in Australia and I really missed it. However one of the reasons we had this was that it was quick and easy to prepare so we could have an unstressed reading of Luke’s first Christmas story before opening presents one by one. Our family now always has Mexican tacos for the same reason.

Christmas lights

Light plays a big part in many Christmas celebrations around the world. The advent candles are a wonderful light representing hope.

Light is also used because Christ is the light of the world. In India clay oil lamps are placed in household windows and in Sweden, Lucia appears throughout the country with candles in her hair. Of course in the USA and now Australia house lights play an important part. We certainly appreciate all the houses in Yass that are so beautifully lit. It has become a Christmas tradition for our family to join the cars touring around Yass on Christmas evening and often a few times before then as well. Thanks to all of you that make this a special time for us.

Gifts

Gift giving is a part of many of our celebrations. Has it become too big a part? The Wisemen in Biblical times, worshipped Jesus, then gave gifts. Is that an example worth following?

Plays

Talking about plays, some of my best Christmas memories have been the family (mainly close friends instead of blood relatives) acting out the Christmas story. We have done this on and off. Some have been quite beautifully scripted, but not always followed so closely. Others have been very spontaneous, but all have brought us back to the reason for Christmas and this special sharing time.

Preparation

I think preparing for Christmas can be part of the fun. Christmas doesn’t have to cost a lot or create lots of stress. It should be a time for sharing and celebrating. There are lots of websites to help with these preparations, so just google (holiday food, handmade presents, nativity plays, etc).

Until next month…