Advent and Christmas are wonderful times of the year. Personally, for me the excitement of these celebrations revolves around family and traditions that mildly fluctuate through the years.
Church has always been an integral part of the Christmas season for me. I pleasantly recall simple recitations by the children, singing of carols, preparation of the platform for a Christmas play and pageants of the birth of Christ and celebratory banquets.
Coming from a less financially fortunate family, it wasn’t nor is it about gifts so much as the smells and sounds that represent a joyful time. I love the special aromas filling the house. It meant spending time with those we loved and enjoying breaking bread together at a family table filled with abundance and good tastes. Then there were update conversations about how each of us were doing. The gift exchange was fun and often exciting, especially for the younger children.
As the years have passed family has become distanced and getting together is more difficult. The family is growing but diversity and accessible options limit the willingness to unite. It is difficult to please everyone with being present and participating in those old traditions of gift giving and opening of presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. But I would hope my family would not forget the real reason for Christmas. Let’s celebrate the coming of a Savior to redeem our lost souls.
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