Have you ever stopped to think about how many of our beloved Christmas traditions started by sheer chance? Think back:
- Christmas trees first appeared in Queen Victoria’s court when Prince Albert set one up in 1838.
- Turkey for Christmas dinner became fashionable in Victorian England after the book, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, was published.
- Eggnog debuted at Jamestown in 1607.
- Poinsettias arrived in America in 1828, when Minister Joel Poinsett brought them from Mexico.
A Surprise that Became Our Family Tradition
In 2005, an impromptu indoor picnic and movie night on December 23rd became our own accidental family tradition. With a red and white gingham tablecloth on the living room floor, covered with platters of cheese, fruits, veggies, dip and sparkling juice in Christmas glasses with only the Christmas tree for light, my boys—aged eight and three—were over the moon. The next year, my oldest made sure I hadn’t forgotten a detail: “Mom, don’t skip our movie night!” And just like that, a spontaneous surprise became the highlight (and photo op!) of every holiday season.
Midlife Traditions: Holding Fast While Letting Go
Psalm 78:4–6 reminds us to “tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord,” anchoring family to God’s faithfulness. Yet in midlife—when our teens are more independent or have already launched, knowing whether to alive a favorite family tradition can be disheartening.
Whether you’re approaching an empty nest or already there, consider rethinking your traditions. For instance:
- Invite new faces. If your own kids can’t make it, welcome friends, neighbors, or a young family in your church. Your home can become the next chapter in someone else’s story.
- Pass on the tradition by encouraging your children or grandchildren to add their own unique touch. They could bring a favorite snack, select the movie, or even take the role of host if they wish to carry on the tradition themselves.
- Start fresh. Perhaps on the day of your past tradition, you can use that day to share joy with a widow in your neighborhood, or to deliver poinsettias and cookies to those who need a reminder they’re loved.
Your traditions don’t have to vanish—they can simply evolve. The true nature of the season isn’t in perfection but cherishing one another and savoring each moment.
Live It Out
- Reflect: What is one beloved tradition you can’t imagine letting go? In your journal write down how that tradition started and how it changed through the years.
- Pray: Ask God to guide you in adapting that tradition for this season of life—perhaps by inviting someone new or adding a fresh element.
- Act: Pick a date, then reach out this week to send an invitation.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. —Lamentations 3:22-23
Even as life changes and our families grow in new directions, God’s love never changes. His faithfulness can help us craft each new season into something meaningful and memorable.
Disclosure: Scriptures taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION ® Copyright© 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission.
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