Thanksgiving/Christmas

Today is one of my favorite days. We are still living in the glow of Thanksgiving and at the same time starting Christmas. Last week, my boys put the Christmas lights on the house. Today, the grandchildren will put out the Nativity figures, and tonight we will enjoy the magic of Christmas.

Being a mom allows me to pass down family traditions to my children and grandchildren. One of my favorites is Christmas. During this season, our hearts turn to others more and more. We remember the blessings we have been given, and we want to share so we can bless the lives of others.

The last few years have been difficult. Yet, the peace that comes at this time of year is a gift from a loving Heavenly Father.

We are Christian, but other celebrations at this time of year also bring us hope and peace. My husband has ancestors who were Jewish and in honor of them, we participate in a Hanukkah celebration.  We enjoy eating latkes, cooking kosher, and lighting the menorah.

Celebrating the traditions of our ancestors helps to connect our families. Also, as our families evolve through marriages, births of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren or children leaving home, our traditions change. Sometimes we decide to adapt them to our new situation or to depart from them altogether, embracing the new and retiring the old.

Traditions are like the glue that holds our memories close to our hearts. We love them.  We need them.  We treasure them. As we allow traditions that build faith in God and man to be part of our lives, we empower our families.