).
One thing our parents hated was that us kids started the tradition of getting
up at 1 or 2am to open our presents, they couldn't stop us because it was 6
kids versus 2 adults, in our favor. So they went along with it year after
year.Submitted 6/5/02 by Kendra
Christmas Traditions
In our family, we had some fun and spiritual family Christmas traditions.
Dad served his mission in Belgium, so we got our Christmas presents on or around
the 6th of December like they do there. We couldn't always do it on the 6th because of school,
so we did it the closest Saturday to the 6th. It was called Saint Nicholaus
day (or something like that). We would put our shoes out by our doors.
If we were good that year, in the night, they would would be filled with
sweets and toys, if we were bad, then they would be filled with coal (we never got coal
).
One thing our parents hated was that us kids started the tradition of getting
up at 1 or 2am to open our presents, they couldn't stop us because it was 6
kids versus 2 adults, in our favor. So they went along with it year after
year.
On Christmas Eve, we would all get in our big blue van and go look at lights. While we were out and about we would go caroling. Then, when the 25th of December rolled around, we would go and give presents to those in need, read the Christmas story, and spend the day as a family. We celebrated Christmas in this way because our parents wanted us to remember the true meaning of Christmas.
As part of that tradition of giving to those in need, one year, my parents wanted to make that tradition of sacrifice as clear in our minds as possible. That was the year that hurricane Mitch hit central America. Our parents told us about everything those people had lost in that devastating natural disaster. We decided that we didn't need a St. Nicholaus day that year, we were already very blessed with everything that we needed, and that we could give the money that my parents had saved for our presents, to those who really needed it. I think that was the best Christmas we ever had.
I'm so thankful that my parents brought such wonderful and powerful traditions into our home. I think one of the best traditions that parents can have with their children is the tradition of sacrifice and charity.