Family Traditions: A Glimpse into Christmas Future

Last Updated on December 3, 2019

Have you ever thought about family traditions? As I helped my 1-year-old place ornaments on the Christmas tree this year I imagined her doing the same thing with her children—and maybe even grandchildren—one day. Traditions are beliefs and customs handed down through generations. By sharing meaningful moments with your kids you’re sending yourself into the future. How amazing is that?

Sharing family traditions causes us to slow down from the busy, adult world for a while. We ignore the laundry to set out the nativity set with our kids. We set aside time in our schedules to drive around and look at Christmas lights.

Holiday traditions aren’t only fun, they also help strengthen family bonds. Through traditions kids trust in the security of the family unit. They think, “This is our family and this is what I do.” Of course, the most important thing to share isn’t just what we do… but why.

Why do we put out a nativity? To remind us the real meaning of the season—Jesus coming to earth.

What do the Christmas lights represent displayed on homes and on trees? They represent the Light of the World, Jesus.

Using traditions to bond our families and share our faith isn’t new. I love these two Scriptures that talk about that very thing.

Exodus 12:25 says, “When you enter the land that the LORD will give you as he promised, observe this ceremony.”
Psalm 78:4 says, “We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.”

Here are a few of our traditions:

• Baking a Birthday cake for Jesus
• Buying a new ornament every year for each child
• Acting out the Christmas story (with props!)
• Praying together before opening presents

What are your traditions? Write a list and appreciate them in a new way this year. Then ask, “If I could add one new tradition this holiday season, what would it be?” I’d love to hear what you choose!

It also makes me smile to think of your children’s grandchildren doing the same.