Monday, Dec 13, 2021
“Traditions: Love ‘Em or Leave ‘Em?”
It’s another Happy Monday with 12 Days until Christmas! No, it’s not about the song! Actually, I have great news: If you received a partridge and a seedling pear tree on your doorstep this morning, you can send them back from whence they came. The Twelve Days of Christmas do not begin until Christmas Day, so your fears of receiving another eleven days’ worth of gifts may be alleviated (at least, for now).
With twelve days in our countdown until Christmas, this is the first day of the week we attribute to JOY (Joy is one of four Advent themes: Hope, Peace, JOY, and Love). Though giving and receiving gifts are viewed as the most popular sources of JOY this time of year, holiday traditions are viewed by lots of people as the most sentimental sources of JOY. Kisses under the mistletoe, Christmas trees, and stockings hanging by the chimney with care are just a few of these sentiments. Holiday music, television programs, films, and colorful sweaters, twinkling lights, and cookie decorating are more of the many traditions that make Christmas joyful!
It’s fun to learn about the many traditions that families, churches, and cultures celebrate this time of the year. While we might view some traditions in our homes as ridiculous, we cherish others, allowing us the opportunity to choose our favorites when we start our own homes. But whatever your favorites might be, I’ve always felt it important to be able to experience JOY within them. Otherwise, why continue them if they aren’t pleasing?
And yet, that last statement is incorrect. Some traditions are important because they help preserve our identity. Other traditions are important because they help us to remain focused on something greater than our own personal happiness. There are many other reasons to maintain traditions, all of them valid. But we can’t keep every tradition!
What traditions do you keep and which have you chosen to forget? Unfortunately, none of us can forget the song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” No matter how many times musicians try to arrange it, the tradition of having to listen to that song gets worse every year.
“Remember the days long past; consider the years long gone. Ask your father, he will tell you about it; ask your elders, they will give you the details…” (Deuteronomy 32:7, CEB).