So...why all the traditions?

When Tim and I married long ago, I knew I wanted to have strong family traditions. I wanted to establish certain things we could do each year for certain celebrations, as well as, family time. Some we did when it was just the two of us-like the Tree of Thanksgiving-others we started when Ethan was born and we continue to add some each year.

WHY?

Doesn't this add to your "to do list" you might ask. My answer would be "yes". But it is things that I love to do. I think it is very important! Family traditions are just that...FAMILY traditions. We have so many things in our lives that include others--church, sports, clubs, etc.. These are great things that I want to be involved in but I am very protective of our family times. Times when it is just us--growing and enjoying one another, hopefully strengthening our relationships.

I would recommend the book Celebrating the Christian Year by Martha Zimmerman. I love this book and the fact that she agrees with my view on family traditions doesn't hurt either! :)

"Jesus taught that the His Father's desire for us was not a religion but life. The best way to experience joy in that life is through meaningful relationships. How do relationships happen? What causes a relationship to grow? relationships grow as people experience things together. It is psychologically true in relationships that doing things for the one you love increases your love for that person. Observing family traditions is one way to demonstrate your love for the Lord. At the same time your actions are speaking volumes to your children, and all the while the love between you and them is growing."

I really think that having these special little things we do together creates a common bond between us. Especially the boys as they grow older. I have so enjoyed listening to the boys tell the girls about what we are going to do on this day or that--and just when I think "oh, maybe this year we'll skip that part" I hear the kids talking in anticipation about it. And I realize that it IS important to them. Their family and it's silly and serious traditions are important to them.

This morning the kids woke up to find our Christmas countdown thingy out. We open a door a day to find a note, verse, project, or candy inside.

Dec. 1st door opened to "Prepare a road for the Lord through the wilderness, clear a highway across the desert for our God...thus shall the Glory of the Lord be revealed" Isaiah 40:3,5

As we begin this season of Advent, I pray that you and your family will find special ways to "prepare a road for the Lord" in your busy schedules. December is full of traditions in our house, that I am happy to share. I would love to hear of any of your family traditions, as I am always open to more!

"Handwoven fabrics are special! Like babies and snowflakes, no two are ever exactly the same. Families are like tapestry. Many threads run through each piece. As you participate with the Lord in the weaving of your family, choose the threads carefully. Remember time helps to hold the fabric together."