Family Holiday Traditions That Warm Our Hearts During The Season

Tradition is the transmission of long-established customs or beliefs passed on from generation to generation. (Source: Dictionary.com)

Our reader Jocelyn C. has this to share, Christmas brings back so many wonderful memories of my Christmas’s growing up and also raising my boys and making it special for them passing on those heart felt traditions. It is truly a magical time of year when the presence of God glistens with love and hope for the coming year.

To start off the holiday season, we asked our clients and readers what they liked best about the holidays and here are five categories of their answers:

One: Gift giving
Whether it is a tray of homemade cookies, box of chocolates or a Thomas the Tank train set, gift giving is a great way to share and bring cheer during the holiday season.

Our reader Abigail K. said:
I love the tradition of our whole family gathering at my moms to open presents early on Christmas morning, before we open our presents my dad prays and thanks God for our family and for blessing us and the ultimate gift of knowing him. It’s beautiful way to start Christmas then we all open presents and spend family time together. That’s what Christmas is about the best of both!!

Susan H.:
The thing I like best about the holidays is family and the spirit of giving.

Jon B.:
Seeing the expression on my family’s face when they open an oil they weren’t expecting to ever try for themselves:) Truly a fulfilling feeling.

Two: Spending time and feasting with family and friends
Most people take a week off from school or work to spend time with family and friends. They travel near and far to be together to strengthen connections, love on each other and eating together.

Some might take time to shop, cook or bake together. Grandparents or older relatives may visit and share stories about their younger days and share family customs and traditions. This will strengthen ties and values.

One of the greatest gifts of all is the gift of time for your parents, grandparents, grandchildren and children.

Sandra M.:
The family get together, the awesome food and company, my sister coming home from Texas, my Mom’s continued journey to getting healthy again, my Dad being well enough to help my Mom (they are 84 and 85 years young), the snow, Christmas trees, decorations, lights and learning to be happy . I give thanks to my YL family (Adam and Carla Green) for introducing me and looking forward to learning more about the oils and how they enhance our lives

Corinne D. about spending time:
I love spending time with my family and celebrating the true reason of the season!

Joanne B.:
For me I love getting together with family, friends and colleagues. And just enjoying each others company!!

Heather K.:
I love sharing time with my family and giving extra to complete strangers.

Tracey R.:
My favorite part of the holidays is getting together with my extended family on Christmas Eve it was a family tradition that my grandparents started when my mother was a child that we continue today. Even though my grandparents are no longer with us I can feel them with us watching their great-grandchildren cherish the tradition they started.

Sandy G.:
Memories of how we celebrated with my parents and bringing those traditions to our children and grandchildren. Spending Christmas with my family, watching the kids’ eye’s light up on Christmas morning and teaching them the true meaning of Christmas.

Three: The decorations and lights
Christmas trees and lights are popular throughout the world. Some of us may have a Nativity scene, stockings by the fireplace, lights around the house and Christmas wreaths to welcome guests at the front door. Some of us collect Christmas ornaments every year and past them down to the next generation. The way we decorate our homes shows our tradition and beliefs.

Here is what some of our readers said about decorations and Christmas lights:

Nancy P.:
I love the lights, the children being soooo excited, the whiteness of the snow, and everyone around me seems more loving during the holidays. We all seem to slow down and actually listen to each other more. We share more time together and lots of food. The love of Christ can certainly be felt.

Dawn S.:
I love the Christmas holidays. Family, friends, the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, wrapping of gifts, baking and giving of gifts. Christmas trees, snow, Santa, snowmen, hot chocolate by the fireplace. Ahhhh, thanks for letting me tell you about what I like !!

Cheryl B.:
I love the spirit of the season and the moments spent remembering those dear to us. And one last thing…I love looking at the lights on my tree!

Debbie T.:
The festivities, the lights, the baking the family are all so special to me, but it is the spirit that encompasses the whole season that makes it a time we all hold dear to our hearts.

Dawn S.:
I love the Christmas holidays. Family, friends, the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, wrapping of gifts, baking and giving of gifts. Christmas trees, snow, Santa, snowmen, hot chocolate by the fireplace. Ahhhh, thanks for letting me tell you about what I like !!

Four: Showing gratitude and love
Thanksgiving usually kicks off the attitude of gratitude continues through the holiday season. This is the season when bell ringers are found outside grocery stores, charitable organization asking for donations and many of us spending time volunteering in homeless shelter or donate food to local charities.

It is the time to show our gratitude and share our love, time and money with others.

This is how some of our readers view the season with gratitude and love:

Donna M.:
I like doing secret Santa stuff.

Golda S.:
LOVE that so many people are more open, generous and loving.

Tolly O.:
The overall connection of mankind during the season. It’s that collective excitement as we all think of others in our activities. Shopping, cooking, living. It’s all for someone other than ourselves.

Lori S.:
I like just about everything about the holidays, the gratitude, the excitement, the generosity and joy, the food & parties, but mostly the love that is shared. Our family celebrates the birth of Christ, which is the most important part for us.

Kelly Y.:
The presence of God…and it seems easier for people to be more loving & caring around Christmas time.

Sandy B.:
Happiness by more people. Families and friends thinking of others–not themselves.

Five: Reading and establishing your own traditions
Some of us may not have a strong tradition that has been passed down for generations or have dysfunctional families. We can always start our own tradition with our own family.

Here are some encouraging and worthwhile traditions to follow from our readers:

Stephanie C.:
The holidays can be a sad time for me since I’m far from family and work in a profession that doesn’t allow enough travel time. So, I love that I can stay connected to them by social media. And, I love listening to the Christmas music my Mom always played while baking cookies.

Lori B.:
Horse drawn carriage ride and baking.

Mary S.:
Sitting down and reading the Christmas story before opening presents.

Aimee L.:
I love reading Christmas stories with my children, especially the story of Christ’s birth. Hearing the kids shout “there’s baby Jesus” every time we pass a nativity scene in our small town. And driving around town after dark enjoying all the Christmas lights.

After reading all these great stories and holiday traditions, we agree that spending quality time with loved ones, sharing of love, money and time with others and creating memories together are the most important for most of us.

Chrissy S. reminds us to be thankful for everything including our children or grandchildren:
What I love most about Christmas is that it means it’s almost my babies’ birthday. My little miracles were born December 28, 2009. Being a Mom of twins (with a Mom who’s a twin) is fabulous!

Every child and adult is a miracle and fabulously made by the Creator. I’m thankful to all my clients and readers for sharing and reading. Please let us know your family holiday traditions.

 

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. It’s strictly for informational, educational, or entertainment purposes ONLY. The products I talk about are not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. Any information I give you about them is for informational or entertainment purposes only. They have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. Please seek the qualified health professional of your choice when making health decisions for yourself, your family and your pets.