One family tradition we have is to see a movie on Christmas Eve. (When Christmas Eve is on a Sunday, we rent a movie and watch it at home instead.) This year we went and saw the new Disney movie, "Tangled." It tells Rapunzel's story and was very well done, meeting all the expectations I have for Disney princess films. My sister would have enjoyed it as well, and it was easier to see this year's Christmas Eve film without her. Last year's choice was "The Princess and the Frog;" I cried. I have only cried during one other movie, and that was "Charly," based on Jack Weyland's novel. I haven't watched it since.
Other Christmas Eve traditions we celebrate include visiting old family friends, baking cookies and delivering them, and reading the Christmas story in the New Testament's book of Luke. My dad has a wonderful chocolate chip cookie recipe he has perfected over the years, and I am on my way to perfecting a Snickerdoodle recipe. One family brings homemade fudge, rocky road and hot cocoa mix; one family always gives Disney-themed gifts; and another musical family carols to us every year. Then, just before bed, my father reads us the Christmas story as told by Luke in the Bible.
While most Christmas traditions seem artificial, just like the Grinch thought of the villagers of Whoville, Christmas would still happen even if all these traditions were stripped away. There will be times I can't be home for Christmas--I'll miss the treats and visits--or the day will come when my father is no longer able to read us the Christmas story. But Christmas will still come, and my thoughts will still turn to the Savior's birth.
I think we human beings need traditions in our lives, reasons to celebrate, even if they can be superficial. Visiting with friends, exchanging small gifts and sharing food are all wholesome activities. Christ wants us to be kind to one another, and if giving a gift is a means of showing that kindness, then He would approve. Maintaining friendships with those who strengthen and uplift us is also a worthwhile pursuit. Good friends bring out the best in us and provide us the opportunity to serve others, and service is a way to become more Christlike. Sharing also helps us be less self-centered.
All in all, I had a good Christmas Eve. Not great, because I still feel my sister's absence, but I am on my way to enjoying them again. It helps to know my sister would want me to be happy at the holidays. And maybe my children will take her place in my bed on Christmas mornings in the future, as we wait for Daddy to come get us and start the celebrations.
Merry Christmas, readers.
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