Traditions that are rooted in love and truth are the ones that “stick” and make the best tales for years to come. Christmas is full of traditions and tales for all of us. Many are good and some are usually not so good, if we are honest. What are some of your favorite traditions at Christmas?
Maybe they revolve around food and memories that are made in the kitchen with your loved ones making certain recipes passed down from previous generations. Your tradition may be service related and how you give certain gifts and time at an organization or to a family that is close to your heart. Maybe your traditions are based in fun with games, movies, caroling or light display watching with loved ones. Whatever they may be, do them with all of your heart. If you can’t, they aren’t worth repeating.
Sounds harsh maybe? well, I am sorry. I just like to speak truth in this, sweet friends. We should not carry on traditions that are not rooted in love or truth. They are just actions and busy work at that point and that does not honor Jesus. He wants our hearts sold out to him in what we are doing. If you can’t love and show light in those traditions, stop doing them.
This year as you plan your festivities, stop and think about the things that rob your joy and don’t do them anymore. One of those things for me is decorating gingerbread houses. I loathe them SO much. They never stand up and they never look like the box when I finish them. For some reason I keep doing them because I have convinced myself a good mother does that at Christmas. So silly! Another thing I have let go is Christmas cut out cookies with icing. This sister is not blessed in the cookie department at all because she burns the bottoms every time. I can make a cake all day long, but those gingerbread houses and Christmas cookies are joy robbers. My child does not enjoy these activities either because I am not happy doing them. They feed off our energy and disposition. Did you read that? Read it again…
If you are doing something year after year that makes you moan and groan, stop and rethink it before you do it again this year. Maybe that is traveling here, there and everywhere in a short amount of time in order to make everyone happy. I can say that was one of ours and years ago we rearranged that pressure to lighten our load so our joy was not robbed empty. It is hard to stop and admit something you have done for years isn’t working anymore, but it is wise. I promise your tales of Christmas will be more meaningful as you make sure your traditions are rooted in truth and love.
Abby Jo
Life With My Sister 