It's Christmas time, and it really is the most wonderful time of the year! Matt and I truly love and embrace each season, but there is something special, maybe sacred, about this time of year. I grew up with certain traditions that I want to pass on to my own family. Decorating a tree, baking all of our neighbors homemade cookies, looking forward to family coming in from out of town, making "reindeer food" with my mom and sister, opening pajamas on Christmas eve... just to name a few. All of these traditions I've made with my friends and family hold such a special place in my heart.
Since becoming parents, Matt and I have talked about developing our own traditions within our family that our kids can look forward to each year. Last Christmas, Walter was just a few weeks old. Needless to say, we were still hibernating inside, surviving on Christmas cookies and a couple hours of sleep. Now that Walter is walking and enjoying full days of fun, we're so excited to start some of these traditions with him.
I've been unaware until now, of the significance of these traditions. As we know, Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our Savior. The light of the world- The hope for all nations- The love that saves us all. Because these memories and traditions have been a part of my life since childhood, they're pure and innocent. They're perfect. I guard them with my heart and hold onto them tightly as I practice them each Christmas. The nostalgia of picking out the perfect tree at the farm, wearing my mom's 'Venezuela' apron while I hand mix cookies, and sitting in my dad's study while opening my stocking next to the fireplace are traditions rooted in the celebration of Our Savior. A seed of hope sewed into my routine.
Each year my family has a blast partaking in these traditions, and we walk into the New Year assured with hope. My mind and heart are made new. I feel fueled with joy, gratitude, and love. But truly, how good do you feel after Christmas has come and gone? I don't think I'm alone when I say that I feel completely refreshed. This season of giving ignites a fire inside my heart that I want to carry throughout my year... not just a season.
Our prayer this Christmas is to begin traditions with our baby boy that ground him in the life and love that was born on Christmas Day.
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