(Copied from our 2004 Christmas Newsletter)
I enjoy reading about the Christmas traditions of other families. Traditions define who we are, and give a sense of unity and security to us all. Family traditions are the glue that binds one generation to another.
We have some traditions that we follow every year, and add some new as well.
CHRISTMAS EVE:
For many years we have spent Christmas Eve playing games, sometimes as a family and sometimes with friends. We enjoy finger foods and hot Cider, before opening our two annual Christmas Eve gifts: a new ornament for the tree for each of us, and a new pair of pajamas for each of us.
CHRISTMAS DAY:
Upon awakening, the children always head straight for their stockings, while the grownups prepare a huge Christmas breakfast. After we eat, Rob reads the “Christmas story” from the Bible—Luke 2.
Then we open gifts, one at a time so everyone can appreciate what the others have received. The remainder of the day is generally spent with everyone still in pajamas, playing with toys and games (we almost always give a family gift of games so we can all play together). We eat our Christmas dinner later in the day, always the same menu.
About Janne
I’ve enjoyed reading your posts about Advent and Christmas. I’ve written some about advent on my blog too. We also open gifts one at a time. I would hate it if everyone was doing their own thing and ripping into their gifts with no thought of everyone else. It’s much more enjoyable to me and it makes the gift time last longer. :o)
[Reply]