Thursday, December 12, 2013

Holiday Traditions

Dictionary.com defines tradition as "the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information, etc., from generation to generation, especially by word of mouth or by practice."  While that is a perfectly apt definition, I don't think it does traditions justice.  For me, traditions are so much more than that.  After all, traditions only become traditions if they are special enough to be done repeatedly, right?

They are special to us (or at least to me) because they connect us to the past and to each other.  They are something the participants all do together; something that others have down before and that, hopefully, some will continue to do in the future.  


I tend to be rather nostalgic, so I love traditions.  I find them comforting and reassuring.  They remind me of loved ones and make me feel like I am giving my girls a foundation they can carry on to their families some day.


Here are two of my favorite family traditions.


When I was younger, we (my mom, dad, brother, and me) always went to my MamMaw's house for Thanksgiving lunch.  Other family was there as well.  For as long as I can remember,  my grandmother had these little paper turkeys.  Each one had a scripture verse or a line from a hymn on it about being thankful.  Before the meal, everyone took a turkey and we went around reading our verses.  This is what we did in lieu of a formal prayer.  Although my Mammaw passed away several years ago, we still carry on this tradition now when we have Thanksgiving lunch with my parents.  The poor paper turkeys were looking a little rough, so my mom has re-written the verses on some beautiful cards.  The past couple of years have been extra special because even our youngest children are now old enough to read and fully participate.  I love the meaning behind the verses and the reminder they give us to be thankful for our blessings.  As everyone reads, I am transported back to my grandmother's house.  I can see her face and smell her house.  At that moment, I am certain she is there with us.

The second one is a Christmas tradition.  I remember my parents doing this with us and, I do it with my children.  Every December 24th, we attend the Christmas Eve service at our church.  When we get home, we slip into our pajamas.  Of course, the children are super excited.  They put out milk and cookies for Santa.  They are unusually eager for bedtime.  Before we tuck them in, however, we pull out our gigantic family Bible - the one that David and I got as a wedding gift.  We sit on the couch by the light of the Christmas tree.  Snuggling together, I turn to Luke: 2 and read the story of Jesus' birth.  I remember as a child climbing up on my dad's lap by the tree when I was growing up and hearing the story.  I remember my mom's steady voice reading those verses.  As we approach the end of the craziness of holiday shopping and parties and baking, we take that moment to re-center and re-focus on the reason for the season.  There's just something about he ambiance of the Christmas lights, the beauty of the story, and the rare calm in those few moments that just fills my heart.  I hope it does the same for my girls and that they will, someday, do the same thing with their children.




So, what are some of your favorite holiday traditions??
  

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This post was written as part of Finish The Sentence Friday.  FTSF is hosted by some wonderful blogging ladies.  Please give them a visit and check out all the other blogs that participate as well!

Stephanie at Mommy, for Real
Kristi at Finding Ninee
Janine's Confessions of A Mommyaholic

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Don't forget to come back on Dec. 18th and share what you have done to share hope, peace, joy, and love!!  For ideas and how it works, click HERE.

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18 comments:

Janine Huldie said...

Two perfect holiday traditions and truly sounds like you are passing these down from generation to generation. Pretty sure your girls with also do the same and thank you so much Lisa for sharing with us!! :)

Stephanie Sprenger said...

Beautiful. I couldn't agree more about the importance and meaning of tradition. I too feel as though I can actually *smell* my Grandma or her house during some of those evocative moments- sometimes they hit me out of nowhere. Merry Christmas! :)

Kristi - Finding Ninee said...

I miss the tradition. I think our family dropped the ball a bit when my Grandma died. Which makes me want to bring the tradition back. right now! I could just picture myself as an eavesdropper, at the foot of your couch, reading Jesus' story.

Christina Arceneaux said...

I love this. You are right, the peace on Christmas Eve, when you slow down and reflect is such a warm, unmatched feeling, and has very little to do with presents. Thanks for sharing, nice seeing you at FTFS hop!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Thanks Janine! I hope they will~

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Thanks Stephanie! Traditions go hand inland with memories I think,

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Aw! You wouldn't have to eavesdrop! You would be more than welcome to snuggle up with us and join in! :-)

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Thanks, Christina! I love that peaceful feeling. It is such nice moment amidst the craziness of the season.

Tamara Bowman said...

These are beautiful and meaningful traditions. One of ours is that we all open our gifts together, but we can open stockings at 7:00am! I'm usually up before that. And this tradition was from childhood but we still have Christmas with my parents and siblings so we still do it!

Sarah said...

I, too, tend towards nostalgia and some of my favorite possessions are items that transport me to places of my childhood. I love that both my sister and I have items from our grandparents' homes up in our own. Just makes them that much homier.

Considerer said...

Ohhhhh is that your tree? It's BEAUTIFUL. And there's nothing like pleasant time spent with family in the glow of fairy lights. I'm really glad you're handing down these traditions to make your own children feel so special about Christmas :) Good work there :)

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

At our house, Santa does't wrap the presents, so I won't let my kids go into the den (where the *stuff* is without me. I want to see their faces. This was not the tradition in my hubby's family, though, so I usually have to drag him out of the bed to join us!

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

I have some of my grandmother's things, too. I love that i have some tangible memories.

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

Thanks, Lizzi!! And, yes, that is our tree!

KatiaDBE said...

This is such a beautiful description of your family traditions, Lisa, and I completely agree traditions bring comfort and I think they make children feel secure. I loved the turkeys with the verses. What an absolutely enchanting idea and I can just tell how much your grandma meant to you.

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

She certainly did Katia! My children didn't get to know her before she passed away, so I am glad I can share her with them through these traditions.

Jean said...

Lisa, did you keep the original turkeys? I would have framed one to keep in my dining room. When my mom says grace at Thanksgiving, I'm certain my grandfather is there.

Lisa @ The Golden Spoons said...

That's a great idea, Jean! My parents actually had the turkeys. I'm not sure what my mom did with them when she re-wrote the verses onto cards. I'll have to ask her!

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