I love this time of year and everything about it — the tree, the decorations, the parties, and the warmth that seems to settle over everything.
If you were here in person, I’d fix you a big mug of hot chocolate and offer you your choice of flavored marshmallows or whipped cream, topped with Christmas sprinkles and chocolate chips. You’d hear Christmas music blaring through the house and smell my favorite Christmas candle burning.
I try to make this season memorable for my family. We emphasize the true meaning of Christmas, of course – the birth of our Savior – but we also enjoy the cultural “stuff” that comes with it: the lights, the laughter, the baking (in some years more than others).
Do We Even Have Traditions?
One day, when my kids were younger, we were driving in the car when my son suddenly asked, “How come we don’t have any Christmas traditions?” Immediately, my mind started to race. I’ve failed my children! What kind of mom doesn’t have Christmas traditions? Then I took a breath, thought for a moment, and asked, “Well, what do we do every year at Christmas time?”
We started to make a list:
– Watching the old Christmas movies.
– Reading the same inspirational storybooks each year.
– Each child chooses a new ornament for the tree.
– Hanging the Christmas cards we receive and praying for each person who sent one.
– Hanging a stocking on the front door filled with candy for anyone who visits.
– Listening to Christmas music nonstop.
As we talked, I realized that we did have traditions! They just looked different from the ones I’d imagined. One year, we spent Christmas morning in D.C., handing out bagged lunches to people experiencing homelessness. Another year, we made handmade ornaments. I always topped our tree with a crown of thorns and hung a nail from its branches to remind us why we celebrate. Each year looked a little different, and that was okay.
Doing What We Can with What We Have
We’ve never had a lavish Christmas. Our budget has always been limited, so we make the most of what we have and refuse to go into debt. There have been years when we didn’t have a “picture-perfect” tree. One year, we couldn’t afford a real one at all. I remember setting out two small artificial trees and trying to convince my family that everything would still be special.
And you know what? It was.
Because even when it didn’t look perfect, it was real. We laughed. We sang. We thanked God for what we did have: each other and His unchanging love. Paul wrote, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11) That verse came alive for me that year. It wasn’t about what was under the tree; it was about the contentment and gratitude that only Christ can give.
What Will They Remember?
As my children grew older, I found myself asking, ‘What will they remember about our Christmases?’ Will they remember a mom who fell apart because her tree wasn’t perfect? Or a mom who made things special with what she had? Will they remember me as someone who stressed about decorations, or someone whose heart was focused on honoring Jesus all year long?
I hope they’ll remember a home filled with peace, not pressure. I hope they’ll remember a mom who loved and respected their dad, who served her family with joy, who sought forgiveness and admitted when she was wrong. I want them to remember that I lived out the most important gift of all — the gospel.
“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” (John 1:14)
That’s what Christmas is really about: God stepping into our broken world, bringing peace where there was chaos, hope where there was despair, and joy where there was sorrow.
The Gifts That Last
I still love giving gifts, wrapping presents, baking cookies, and decorating the house. Those things are good, fun, and meaningful in their own way. But the older I get, the more I realize that the most valuable gifts we can give our children are not the ones under the tree. They are the unseen gifts — forgiveness, faith, gratitude, humility, and love.
These are the gifts that will outlast the season. They won’t break or wear out. They are the gifts that reflect the heart of Christ.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” (James 1:17)
When my children think back on their childhood, I want them to remember that their parents loved Jesus more than Christmas itself and that He was the center of our celebration and our lives.
The Bigger Picture
I’ve known families who have lavish Christmases overflowing with gifts and sparkling trees, yet their homes lack peace. The calendar is full, but hearts are empty. Even in “Christian” homes, it’s easy to let Jesus become an afterthought. I’m not above that temptation, but I don’t want that to be our story. I want our home to be one where Christ is adored, not just in December, but throughout the year.
My prayer is that we remember the Christ of Christmas every day, in every decision, in every word, in every thought. That our worship would go beyond the manger scene to the daily moments of obedience, kindness, and love.
Because adoration isn’t just a song we sing; it’s a life we live.
A Heart of Adoration
Sometimes I imagine the shepherds on that first Christmas night, kneeling in the straw, overwhelmed with wonder. The angels had just declared, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” (Luke 2:14)
They didn’t bring fancy gifts or perfect performances — they came and adored Him. That’s what I want for my family. For myself. To come before Him, tired, imperfect, sometimes overwhelmed, and love Him.
Oh, let us adore Him. Not just when the candles flicker on Christmas Eve, but on ordinary Tuesdays. Not just when the tree is glowing, but when the laundry piles up. Not just in December, but every day we breathe. Because He alone is worthy.
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)
That’s the reason for every light, every song, every moment of celebration.
All Year Long
After the Christmas decorations are packed away and the tree is taken down, life will go back to its normal rhythm. Still, the call remains: Oh, let us adore Him — Christ the Lord. May our homes be places where Christ is honored throughout the year. May our hearts remember that the joy of Christmas is the joy of knowing Him. And may our children grow up remembering not just a season, but a Savior.
Because the most beautiful tradition of all is a life of worship.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Ritthichai
Gina Smith is a wife of 37 years, mom of 2, and grandma of 3. She is a writer and author, writing her very first published book in her empty nest years. She has a passion to come alongside the younger generation to encourage them, strengthen them in God, and learn from them. You can find Gina at her website www.ginalsmith.com, and her book Everyday Prayers for Joy can be found anywhere books are sold.
