Christmas Family Traditions

Christmas Is About…

Got a huge reality check when my 8-year old went home with a school project about how we celebrate Christmas, its symbols, meanings and traditions.

First question, “What are the symbols of the Holiday you celebrate and what do they mean?” I told my son, “Umm, there’s the star on top of the Christmas tree. That’s a symbol. I think it means light and the light that comes on Christmas Day is Jesus.” I had to Google the rest of my answers just to make sure. A few gave satisfactory answers but the best Christmas inspiration was from a blogger friend, Anne.

Then came more symbols like the angels, Christmas tree, the wreath, candles, gifts and many more. Then there’s Santa, the Snowman, Mr. Rudolph and the elves. Dizzy and frustrated, I told me wife, “I need help. Looks like this is more complicated than I originally thought.” She laughed at me and said,”You need to think like a second grader.” All I can say was, “But, but, but…,” then I added, “I think it’s late. Let me sleep, rest my brain and tomorrow I bet the answers will come flowing like a river.” So I slept.

Christmas and all forms of Holidays bring people together as one family and community, sharing a similar dream for a better, kinder world.

Behold, like a Christmas miracle, the answers did arrive the next day. With my wife’s help, my son was able to narrow our answers. And yes, it did look and sounded like an eight year old. Simple, innocent, bright and positive. After reading it, I gave a happy smile and said, “Love his version. Way better than mine.”

Making Our Very Own Christmas Family Traditions

Christmas is about celebrating our families, showering them with love and creating our very own unique Christmas family traditions that are more valuable than any expensive presents combined. Traditions blessed by the heritage of the past and sprinkled with exciting hopes of today.

Regardless of our beliefs and religion, the holiday season is a time to thank God for our blessings. It is a time to reflect on the source of our light, joy and inner happiness.

Just like most, Christmas to my family is about gift giving. In my son’s case, it’s about having lots of toys and yummy goodies. Of warming up Winter’s cold with a sip of sweet, delicious hot chocolate drink and munching on Gingerbread cookies. Of singing Christmas songs no matter how out of tune and creating our own lyrics when we don’t know the words.

One day, my wife and I were giggling as our son was singing, “Frosty the Snowman, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah…” He wasn’t aware we were listening. We tried to fill in the missing words and realized we forgot them too. So, we all ended up listening to the complete song via Pandora and got to sing it as a family. It reminded me so much of the many Christmases I used to share with my siblings and parents when I was about his age. It was simple too yet full of happiness no words can even fully describe.

One of the main gems of every home during the holiday season is the Christmas tree. Ours this year are decorated with stars, several Santa, Snowmen, birds, berries and pine cones. The tree is a symbol of all the beautiful blessings we received and hoped to have in the years to come. When the Christmas lights twinkle and shine brightly at night, somehow we know in our hearts that those hopes will come true one day.

“Dear Santa, I know you’re busy but I wish for a Star Wars Droid Carrier ship with 20 droids.”

Every year, my son makes a letter for Santa. This year I could sense he’s already starting to question if he does exist. Initially, he asked Santa at his school’s “Dear Santa” letter for an Xbox. We explained to him that Santa makes toys for other children too and that $499.00 for one toy is both expensive and excessive when other children don’t even have food to eat. He looked like he understood but then asked with a naughty smile, “So, you’re Santa because you can not afford an Xbox?” It was a challenge keeping a serious face. I wanted to laugh but then that will ruin Santa’s credibility. Another priceless “oops” moment.

I wish for my son to hang on to the magical side of Christmas with all the joy and excitement it brings for as long as he can. Until today, when bits and pieces of Christmas childhood memories resurface, indescribable feelings of anticipation and happiness come rushing in like everything happened yesterday.  The magic of Christmas is always there within each one of us but somehow adulthood made us forget and caused us to stop believing. I stopped believing at some point in my life but now I have my son to remind me that I can experience the magic of Christmas once more. All I have to do is open my heart and believe in its magic and miracles.

 Finding Little Elf?

This year, joining the Elf On The Shelf craze, my family started our own version of this fun holiday family activity. We simply called it “Finding little Elf,” inspired from a storybook and Elf gift set called Where Is Little Elf.

Instead of following the usual rules, we added a few twist and surprises. Seven days before Christmas Day, Little Elf visits our home and does different kinds of new activities everyday. My 8-year old then needs to find him first thing in the morning. He must not touch little Elf or else he will not move the next day. My son also needs to try to be nice and be good, bringing holiday cheer to everyone around him. Mom and dad topping his list. Oh, the night before little Elf’s visit, my son has to leave a cookie under the Christmas tree as a sweet treat to little Elf. Guess who gets to bite the cookie for Little Elf when my son goes to sleep?

On the seventh day which is Christmas Day, Little Elf brings a special surprise bonus present aside from the Christmas wish list gift from Santa. Ain’t that a great reason to behave and be nice during the holidays?

Day 1

” Little Elf, Little Elf where are you? Oh, there you are drinking a hot cocoa milk with lots of marshmallows. Thanks for making one cup for me too. “

Day 2

” Little Elf, Little Elf where are you? Great to know you like  playing Lego Star Wars too. Hey, did you check my Republic Gunship and Clone Troopers? Awesome right? “

Day 3

” Little Elf, Little Elf where are you? Hmm, looks like you’re busy fishing and catching my pet goldfish. That fishing rod looks familiar. Is that my yellow marker Little Elf? “

Day 4

” Little Elf, Little Elf where are you? There you are, reading my favorite DRAGONBREATH: Attack of the Ninja Frogs. Looks like you found new friends too. Morning Mr. T-Rex, morning Pumpkin Fly Guy. “

” Tomorrow I wonder where will Little Elf will be. I got the feeling he will be in the kitchen, making pancakes and cheese omelette for him and me. “

Little Elf’s Christmas adventure to be continued…

Christmas and the Holidays brings magic in the air but it’s up for us to capture them and turn them into something real. May we never forget to bring everything good and beautiful in our lives and those around us. To glisten, bring joy and peace on Earth.

Last night, before my son went to bed, he hugged his mom and told her, ” Mom, can’t wait for Christmas Day. I am so excited.” His words sums up why Christmas is the most wonderful, joyful, magical time of the year.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and the best of blessings of the Holidays.

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