Monday, December 12, 2011

Christmas Traditions

Webster defines TRADITION as an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior.

As Christmas approaches again, we find ourselves doing our "inherited, established, customary pattern of thought, action or behavior".  It's fun to hear the different traditions that families have for Christmas.  I remember one of our traditions growing up in the Wheat home in Lonoke, AR.  Every night on Christmas Eve mom and dad would always let us open one gift.  It was always a new pair of pajamas.  I thought it was funny that we always got the same type of gift every Christmas Eve, but as I got older it made sense.  Mom wanted us to look good and also to be dressed in something besides gym shorts for the photos that would be taken on Christmas morning.  

Now, our family has an established or customary pattern, action and behavior we do every year (no, it's not new pajamas).  Before we open the gifts, we read the Christmas Story.  After the story has been read, we pray as a family.  Another "customary pattern and action" is done while opening our gifts.  We go around and let each person open their gifts one at a time so we all can enjoy their response.  Actually, Krystal and me watch the kids take turns and then we open our gifts.  
 
There are some other "actions and behaviors" that we have also begun such as assembling a Gingerbread House, buying for another family who needs help during Christmas, sponsoring a Christmas Basket at our church, going to see Christmas lights and several more.  

Putting up Christmas lights on our house and in the yard is another "established, customary pattern, action and behavior".  It was several years ago that we started putting lights up.  It started by putting clear lights on the house.  Today we have colored lights on the house, inflatables that include Frosty the Snowman, a Christmas Bear and Snoopy.  The decorations also include lighted trees, a horse and pony drinking from water, twinkling snowflakes in the trees, animated deer and the sidewalk lined with candy-canes and lights.  It has grown each year.  It's become a time when we work together and enjoy the light show during the Christmas season.  

2011 Light Show
I hope that one day when Ashlyn and Mitchell are older and posting their blogs (if blogs are still around), they will be able to write and share about our traditions and also some of their own.  

Traditions ~ an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior.  I guess another definition would be "great memories". 


Monday, December 12, 2011

Christmas Traditions

Webster defines TRADITION as an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior.

As Christmas approaches again, we find ourselves doing our "inherited, established, customary pattern of thought, action or behavior".  It's fun to hear the different traditions that families have for Christmas.  I remember one of our traditions growing up in the Wheat home in Lonoke, AR.  Every night on Christmas Eve mom and dad would always let us open one gift.  It was always a new pair of pajamas.  I thought it was funny that we always got the same type of gift every Christmas Eve, but as I got older it made sense.  Mom wanted us to look good and also to be dressed in something besides gym shorts for the photos that would be taken on Christmas morning.  

Now, our family has an established or customary pattern, action and behavior we do every year (no, it's not new pajamas).  Before we open the gifts, we read the Christmas Story.  After the story has been read, we pray as a family.  Another "customary pattern and action" is done while opening our gifts.  We go around and let each person open their gifts one at a time so we all can enjoy their response.  Actually, Krystal and me watch the kids take turns and then we open our gifts.  
 
There are some other "actions and behaviors" that we have also begun such as assembling a Gingerbread House, buying for another family who needs help during Christmas, sponsoring a Christmas Basket at our church, going to see Christmas lights and several more.  

Putting up Christmas lights on our house and in the yard is another "established, customary pattern, action and behavior".  It was several years ago that we started putting lights up.  It started by putting clear lights on the house.  Today we have colored lights on the house, inflatables that include Frosty the Snowman, a Christmas Bear and Snoopy.  The decorations also include lighted trees, a horse and pony drinking from water, twinkling snowflakes in the trees, animated deer and the sidewalk lined with candy-canes and lights.  It has grown each year.  It's become a time when we work together and enjoy the light show during the Christmas season.  

2011 Light Show
I hope that one day when Ashlyn and Mitchell are older and posting their blogs (if blogs are still around), they will be able to write and share about our traditions and also some of their own.  

Traditions ~ an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior.  I guess another definition would be "great memories".