Christmas Traditions

 My mother spent the weeks before Christmas, baking cookies and making candy to use on trays she would give away. The week of Christmas she would pull everything out of her freezer or the back porch "cooler" and begin to prepare plates of goodies. Once she had them ready she would have Daddy deliver them to neighbors, the pastor, Sunday school teachers, Daddy's coworkers or his fellow volunteers or pianists who accompanied him at the Veterans Home where he led worship and songs. These gifts of Mama's hands were always appreciated. It was a tradition at my parents' home when I was growing up and beyond.

Another Christmas tradition for my family was "The Messiah" by G.F. Handel. My father had a wonderful voice and participated in the community singing of this masterpiece for many years. It was a tradition to attend the performance, after several weeks of practice, on a Sunday evening. The music still thrills me when I hear it. It always meant the beginning of the Christmas season.

When I was still at home our tradition was for Daddy to cut down a Christmas tree from the farm. Usually this meant it was a cedar tree. I was always impatient about getting a tree but in his own time Daddy would find a tree and present it to us. Mother would occasionally spruce it up a bit with a can of flocking or green paint. But, it was always acceptable once decorated. 

I always think of our home church and their annual Christmas caroling day. A group would gather and caravan with cars to shut-in neighbors or church members would could no longer attend. Eventually my parents became one of the places where the group would visit and carol. It meant so much to them. It brings tears to my eyes as I remember those days.

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel," (Isaiah 7:14 NIV).

What are your signs or traditions that mean Christmas is coming?