Favorite Christmas Traditions
Christmas traditions are special. Each year brings something new around the office—from cozy soup swaps to last year’s lively Dirty Santa exchange—and every season concludes with our full-time staff Christmas dinner at Elevation, a meaningful time to reflect and celebrate together. Thank you Sally and Larry!
And we all have our own favorite family traditions as well…
My Favorite Christmas tradition started when I was a child and continues now with my children, THE UNVEILING OF THE NATIVITY, which begins the day after Thanksgiving. Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the Wisemen, shepherds, and animals are individually wrapped up and in a box. Each child closes his or her eyes, takes turns, and places one in the manger. Whoever picks Jesus is the winner that year, of course. Then, closer to Christmas morning, we go and see the “Live Nativity” performed at the Mountain Brook Baptist Church that still uses the same piped-in voice since the 1970s!
Sally’s favorite family tradition is the Christmas Eve service at her church in Rome, GA. It’s special to her because her whole extended family is gathered on a few pews and reminded of the real reason for the season. Then dinner follows at her mom’s house, with turkey and dressing and all the fixins, and dessert is always Christmas cookies with lots of icing.
Ivy’s favorite family tradition is the Christmas Eve Candelight service at her church. Growing up, this was special to her as a reminder of what Christmas is all about. It’s something she has started with her children, not for just the sentimental value, but for its beauty and a lesson for her girls.
Evan’s favorite Christmas tradition is a fun and competitive game of Sherades and Dirty Santa with her entire extended family. What makes it special is the amount of tears from laughter had by all. There is nothing like family!
Katie’s favorite Christmas tradition is a classic…PJ’s! Years ago, her grandparents gave all the grandkids matching pajamas as a surprise on Christmas Eve. Now Katie, along with the girls, including aunts and cousins, work hard to find just the right ones for the grands. In sweet memory of Mae Mae and Papa Bill, she’s keeping the tradition alive.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for our families, for each day that we have together, for the laughter, and for the tears. Thank you, Lord, for Camp Skyline and the memories made and lives changed on the mountain. Bless each of you that your Christmas may be filled with your favorite traditions surrounded by those you love. And most especially, thank you, Lord, for the birth of your son and the forgiveness of all our sins. Amen
