Bible/Advice/Holidays

By Summer Lane

Photo: Deposit

Christmas is here again! It seems as if 2023 just began, and amid a world steeped in chaos and turmoil, it’s hard to say if the year has dragged by or flown by – perhaps a little of both. This year, the swirl of Christmas fun and the busyness of parties, musicals, and shopping is something that I’m looking forward to. I love Christmas, and I love the childlike joy it brings.

Most of all, it’s a wonderful season of celebration where we can reflect on the fullness and warmth of Christ’s birth and His triumphant arrival to the world as a small baby born in a manger.

Here are a few simple ways to not only celebrate the birth of Christ, but to build meaningful family memories together with your loved ones!

Set up a nativity

It’s simple and sweet, but it will also open the door to having a conversation about the story of the birth of Jesus. I think setting up a nativity is one of the sweetest holiday traditions. This year, I was thrilled to inherit my late Grandma Dorothy’s nativity set, which was hand-painted decades ago in Italy. As I have been setting it up with my daughter, we have reflected on the birth of Jesus together.

Steer clear of materialism

There’s nothing wrong with buying gifts and having fun during the Christmas season! Just be careful that the crux of Christmas doesn’t become ALL about the gifts, ALL the time. As a kid, I got a little hung up on anticipating Santa’s arrival. Whether you go with Santa or not is up to you but remember to make the center of the season about JESUS!

Focusing on family traditions and family time

Even the smallest tradition holds a lot of meaning for children. Think back to when you were a kid – there was likely something about the holiday season that you remember. Perhaps it was going with your family to pick up a tree. Maybe you remember making cookies with your grandma. Choose a few simple and easy traditions that you can carry out with your kids every Christmas that they can look forward to and reflect on when they become adults. Decorate the tree together, make hot chocolate, watch a Christmas movie – have fun!

Involve your kids in serving others

Whether you buy gifts, make gifts, or simply host others at your home for Christmas, involve your kids in the process of serving others. It’s a small reflection of how Christ came to Earth to serve us, and it will help anchor the season in selflessness rather than the abyss of consumerism.

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Summer Lane is the #1 bestselling author of 30 books, including the hit Collapse Series and Resurrection Series. She is an experienced journalist and columnist who reports on news within the U.S. and abroad. She is the Associate Editor for Right Side Broadcasting Network. Additionally, she analyzes politics and policies on The Write Revolution.

Summer is also a mom and wife who enjoys rural country living, herding cats, and gardening. She is passionate about writing on women’s issues, parenting, and politics from a theologically-grounded perspective that points readers to the good news of the gospel.

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