What are your Christmas traditons?

Heartwarming Christmas Family Traditions: Ideas, Bible Verses, and Creating Lasting Memories

As creatures of habit, we often find comfort in routines and the familiar. Recognizing this, God provided the Israelites with customs to observe, helping them remember His commands and promises. For instance, in Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (NIV), it says: "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." Just as these rituals grounded God's people, our own traditions can anchor us in faith and family. My children, for example, know Christmas is near when the sweet aroma of caramel corn wafts through our home, signaling the start of joyful preparations.

Thanksgiving was once my favorite holiday—until my grandma passed away. Without her, it never felt quite the same. She was a master at upholding traditions, infusing the holidays with warmth and delight. I still miss her dearly, but I've learned that dwelling too much on the past means missing the new traditions and memories I can create with those still here. As Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) reminds us, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Embracing the present allows us to honor the past while building a brighter future.

Traditions keep us grounded, especially when life feels bumpy and out of control. They foster connection, gratitude, and a sense of continuity. I'd love to share some of my family's favorite Christmas traditions with you—and in return, hear about yours!

We kick off the Christmas season with a family feast and tree decorating, a cherished ritual from my own childhood. We set up a delightful sandwich buffet, complemented by appetizers, drinks, and desserts handpicked by my children. As Christmas music plays in the background, we adorn the tree with twinkling lights and ornaments, each one carrying stories from years past. Afterward, we cozy up for a movie—often the classic "White Christmas." The evening culminates in drawing names for our gift exchange, turning the focus to thoughtful giving.

To avoid making Christmas a financial burden or overly self-focused for our kids, we started this name-drawing tradition early on. It sparks excitement in giving rather than just receiving, aligning with the heart of the season. As John 3:16 (NIV) beautifully states: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." We emphasize this spirit of generosity by extending it beyond our home—perhaps filling Samaritan's Purse shoeboxes for children in need or supporting a local family facing hardship.

One magical evening in December, we bundle up and head to our local coffee shop for steaming hot chocolate piled high with whipped cream. From there, we drive around town to admire the dazzling Christmas light displays. Even though my children and grown, I still love seeing the lights, it reminds us that traditions evolve, much like the enduring hope in Isaiah 9:6 (NIV): "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Finally, Christmas Eve at my mom's house is a highlight, gathering friends and family in joyful chaos. The younger kids perform a heartfelt Christmas play, everyone contributes a dish to our potluck feast, and we play "White Elephant" with quirky gifts. It's noisy and lively, yet deeply fulfilling as we cherish the company of loved ones.

These traditions help us celebrate the season while drawing closer to each other and to God. Now, it's your turn—share some of your favorite holiday rituals and what makes them special! Merry Christmas! May you be blessed with the joy and peace described in Philippians 4:7 (NIV): "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."