Traditions

Year after year, when families gather to read Luke 2, sing "Silent Night", bake cookies, or do whatever their traditions may be, they create memories, reinforce values, and establish identity. Cherished traditions not only connect families with their past, but they also engender a sense of joyful anticipation for each new year.

"As we think of the happiness of Christmases past and the joy of this Christmas, may we savor and perpetuate the Christmas traditions which express our endearment and love to each other."

James E. Faust

Traditions

-Keep it simple. If it becomes stressful or demanding, it is no longer a good tradition.

-Focus on what matters, be flexible. If circumstances require us to change or modify our traditions, so be it.

-Remembering is half the fun! Keep a Family Christmas Journal where each member writes their favorite Christmas memory for that year. Pull it out each Christmas and take time to remember all your Christmases past.

-Be Joyful.

One Christmas Night, our family was excited to hear carolers at our front door. The children raced to see who it was. Imagine their surprise when they saw their aunt, uncle, and cousins from across the country on our doorstep. Our children squealed with delight! They jumped up and down. They hugged each other and could hardly let go of their cousins throughout the stay-over. A couple days into all of the fun, our four year old exclaimed, "We've never had carolers stay so long!"

The Newell family

Elder L. Tom Perry encourages us to adopt spiritual "traditions" of prayer, scripture study, family home evening, and temple attendance. Such traditions enrich family life the whole year through.