The older I get, the more I believe traditions should be a part of our family celebrations. It is interesting to me that traditions stick with me and provide fond, significant memories. They give meaning, value, and something to look forward to. My wife, Cathy, is the one who carries the family tradition torch. She is the one who makes a point of getting us together for special occasions and developing a tradition that fits the time.
For example, she is the one who came up with a special event we call the “pumpkin poolooza.” (creative spelling as well) It is held in October. We celebrate birthdays and use pumpkins in every way we can. She even designed the games we played that
day.
1. Pumpkin sweep- Two people are pushing a pumpkin with a broom from one end of the driveway back to the start. The fastest person advances.
2. Pumpkin put – Each person must throw a pumpkin like a shot put. The winner is the person who throws it the farthest.
3. Pumpkin smash – Just like the apple smash in Cheaper by the Dozen, we hit a pumpkin with a baseball bat. Whichever pumpkin part goes the furthest wins a prize.
4. Pumpkin decorating – Each person gets a pumpkin. They paint and put stickers on it.
All the kids love this time. The adult kids love the competition, and the children love to be included. The interesting thing is that our 10-year-old grandson wants to help plan the event. He and his Mayme (Cathy) got together 6 weeks in advance to determine the events and the order in which they would be played that day. As we approach Christmas, what can you do to create some traditions for your family? What can you do for your children and grandchildren to highlight the birth of Jesus? Two bloggers, Martin Lawrence and Arquette Ereka, offer 10 ways to celebrate Christmas further and establish new traditions.
1. Act out the nativity with dolls or costumes
2. Light an Advent wreath and read one Bible verse each night
3. Put baby Jesus in the manger on Christmas morning (keep the manger empty until then!)
4. Make a birthday cake for Jesus (any flavor — He likes chocolate too)
5. Give “Jesus gifts” — do secret kind things for others
6. Read the real story from a children’s Bible on Christmas Eve
7. Sing Happy Birthday to Jesus before opening presents
8. Donate a toy to a child who might not get any
9. Watch the stars on a clear night and remember the Bethlehem star
10. Thank God out loud for sending Jesus
One final thought on Christmas Traditions. On Sunday before Christmas, when I pastored a local church, we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus and handed out cupcakes to everyone after church. I can’t tell you how many people looked forward to that reminder that Jesus’ birthday needed to be celebrated and remembered. What Christmas tradition do you need to start or continue this year at your home or church?
Merry Christmas!