What Christmas traditions do you hold dear? Maybe you always give a certain gift, bake a special dessert, or buy a specific kind of tree. For many of us, these rituals are what make the Christmas season special, and it’s hard to feel festive without them.
But for many of us, merging Christmas traditions can be a challenge when we get married. Now your real Christmas tree, white lights, and “Happy Birthday, Jesus” cake are being threatened by an artificial tree, covered in coloured lights, and Christmas cookies. Merging traditions requires patience and love!
If you and your spouse are trying to sort through this December dilemma, let me encourage you to make your own traditions. Instead of disagreeing over whether or not the light up reindeer gets to live in the front yard, find something that’s new for you both to adopt (a light up nativity scene, perhaps?).
To create your own traditions, take the best of what you both grew up with. Filter them through the lens of truth, and adopt those that glorify the gift of Jesus.
In all the planning, honour your spouse above yourself and seek harmony. Here are 3 attitudes to adopt:
Don’t be easily offended!
We all love our traditions, but don’t be offended if yours doesn’t make the cut. Jesus was still born as Saviour of the world whether or not you open a gift or two the night of Christmas Eve.
Be willing to cooperate out of love.
We get to celebrate Christmas because of Christ’s love for us. Put this gift into practice by loving your spouse.
Keep things simple.
The fewer items or traditions, the more money you’ll save! Don’t try to be extravagant or excessive.
Keep things simple. Don’t break the bank in an effort to celebrate Christmas. Overspending will just create stress – and it’s contrary to what Christ desires in stewards. So, find ways to build traditions. Here’s a few examples:
Pick a day to decorate and begin advent readings.
Light advent candles.
Play and sing carols.
Read or listen to Christmas books and stories.
Drive around and look at Christmas lights.
Attend community concerts.
Set up your own nativity scene.
Put a Happy Birthday Jesus banner in your front window
Bake cut-out cookies and a Happy Birthday Jesus cake.
This holiday season, start a new tradition of generosity and faithfulness in your family. In a world that says “I need it all,” help your loved ones to say “God owns it all.”
Now is a good time to think about what Christmas gifts are necessary for friends and family and how much to spend on each person. Are there better ways of showing how much we care for them?
May you have a great time celebrating Christmas with friends and family.
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