I grew up on a farm in Minnesota, so Christmas was spent close to home. There were parties at the near-by relatives, lots of food, candy, a few gifts, butchering, snow, chores, long nights and church. Christmas was always my favorite time of year, and I think that was because of all the traditions my family had. Whether it was the presents and all the food, the mountains of snow, or the sheer terror of getting in front of the congregation and speaking my part for the Christmas program; it all added to the excitement and joy of that special time. During those years I was blessed with many family traditions, but the best was regular church attendance during the holidays. I learned the carols and the Christmas story, and I knew at a young age that Christ was the central focus of Christmas.

We as parents need to take time, so that our children also develop good traditions around Christmas.

…the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.

Luke 2:15b-16

Daniel Henschen