The Blessings of Christmas: Family, Memories, and Traditions
“Merry Christmas and Happy New Year”
I never get tired of hearing that phrase!
I feel blessed every time I experience another Christmas. I remember one special Christmas, enjoying a bus tour of New York, then walking the streets and seeing the various stores displaying their Christmas themes.
Going inside the businesses to see the beautiful decorations commemorating the Christmas holiday. To ride a horse driven carriage through the cold snowy night as people sing Christmas carols is breathtaking.
What Makes Christmas Special?
Christmas is very special to me because I have such wonderful memories of family. It was thrilling and exciting to have friends, aunts, uncles and grandparents visiting in and out of the family home, leaving gifts and well wishes and having the ugly sweater contest.
I remember the telephone calls to my parents telling them I will be coming home during college Christmas break, and having them pick me up at the train station. I brought my college best friend /roommate because she could not afford to go home for the Christmas holiday. It was a blessing to share the Christmas with her.
Treasured Family Memories and Traditions of Christmas
I remember the family going to the local Christmas Tree Farm, walking from tree to tree to find the most special live tree coated with fake snow and smelling of evergreen.
Taking the tree home and placing the it in just the right spot in front of the living room window, where it could be seen from the outside.
I remember the family taking part in decorating the tree with many colors of bulbs and personalized ornaments handmade by my siblings. We drew names for who would place the angel or star at the top of the tree. I remember singing Christmas songs; Joy to the World and Silent Night. We sang The 12 Days of Christmas with verses assigned to family members. We laughed and smiled and joked as each member tried to sing their verse in different tones and act out their parts. I remember the Christmas meals and the eggnog and the opening of presents on Christmas eve.
I remember we played Christmas games and musical chairs with the exchange of gifts and everyone trying to keep their gift. The house was filled with the delectable smells of cakes, pie and potluck dishes.
We went to church as a family and gave thanks to the Lord Jesus, thanks for the year that has passed and thanks for the new year coming. Each member or guest was encouraged to express their thoughts on the meaning of Christmas and why the holiday is important.
Creating Christmas Joy with the Next Generations
It was my father’s tradition to drive through various neighborhoods in the city to see the Christmas lights displayed on homes.
I keep that tradition going with my grandchildren, whose faces light up with joy as they tell me about the pretty lights they see and name the characters on display: Santa Claus, the reindeer, the candy canes hanging from the Christmas tree, the elves, the snowman, the Christ Child, and more.
Creating Christmas Joy for You
I have designed Christmas cards and home decor inspired by these special memories and by love for my family and friends. Products which I hope express a special Christmas message to family, friends, and loved ones. Many of the Christmas cards can be personalized, allowing for text editing so you can write your own personal message if you wish. If you are someone who likes to decorate your home for Christmas and/or send out personalized cards, please consider doing some of your Christmas shopping at my online store, Liz Daniel Emporium.
Liz Daniel Emporium 