A Glorious Time of Year
This is a glorious time of the year, simple in origin, deep in meaning, beautiful in tradition and custom, rich in memories, and charitable in spirit. It has an attraction to which our hearts are readily drawn. This joyful season brings to each of us a measure of happiness that corresponds to the degree in which we have turned our mind, feelings, and actions to the spirit of Christmas.
~ Thomas S. Monson, What Is Christmas? Ensign, Dec. 1998
The traditions that we keep in our family mean so much to us; it strengthens the bonds that we hold as a family. Chris and I want Riley to experience the love that we felt as children, and therefore, we hold strong to the traditions that we developed as children, as well as, some new ones that Chris and I have started.
The tree has been put up, and the lights lit, and the stockings hung...all worldly experiences, but eterenal memories. This weekend, Chris, Riley, and I had a wonderful time together making the magic of the season come about...it is so cute to see Riley put the nativity scene together "just right," watch Chris lick his lips as he concentrates to put the ornament on the tree "just right," and I get to make my families holiday "just right."
Our church leaders have expressed to us that keeping traditions is of vital importance in keeping families together. One tradition that I love, and we didn't even realize it was a tradition till this year, is putting the Christmas tree up together as a family, then turning off all the lights, sitting in the dark and talking about the true meaning of Christmas, singing simple songs, and looking at the beautiful lights on the tree....but my favorite is snuggling together on the couch as a family, holding hands with the love of my life, and holding my baby girl in my lap (okay, not so little baby girl). Chris and I started this tradition the first year we were married and I hope Riley keeps this tradition with her family when she is grown.
We all have so many fun traditions, what is one of your favorite traditions? Leave a comment so we can all read and share!
I don't think that I have any traditions. Just making cookies and putting up the tree the weekend after Thanksgiving. Nothing that is awsome or impressive. I think that just about everyone does that one!!!! Maybe once Camrynn starts to know what holidays are I'm going to get more involved in it. Maybe we will start going to Cousin Brooks for hot cocoa and caroling!!
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