When you hear the word "tradition" is it said in Tevye's voice from Fiddler on the Roof. Ya same here. In fact the song starts playing as soon as I think of it.
The holidays are often filled with various traditions. The husband and I are still trying on a few for size and deciding which traditions we as a family would like to continue on with. However, today I would like to talk about a Christmas tradition I had growing up.
Every Christmas Eve we would read the Christmas Story from Luke. When we were young we started adding on to this tradition by eating a "Shepherd's Meal" while someone read the story. We would pull out the blankets for an indoor picnic, turn some of the lights out and grab our meal that was in a muslin bag. Inside the bag we would find jerky, string cheese, crackers, grapes, and a juice box. Following the story and our meal we would sing a few Christmas hymns.
I loved this tradition because it helped us as kids to take a moment and realize the humble circumstances in which the Christmas Story is told. Our focus was momentarily shifted from the "I Wants" to the true meaning of Christmas : love, service, gratitude, joy, and Hope.
Hubby and I have yet to decide if we will continue this tradition but it is one I would like to at least try once those stubborn children of ours show up.
What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?
What a beautiful tradition, Sarah. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I heard Tevye singing as soon as I saw TRADITIONS in caps!
Oh Sarah this is a wonderful tradition! I too heard Tevye singing. What a beautiful post!
ReplyDeleteI love that tradition! So creative and hands-on. We always read the Luke story on Christmas Eve, but we've never tried the Shepherds' meal. Wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing this wonderful tradition at Simple & Sweet Fridays.
ReplyDeleteJody