‘Tis the season to remember Christamses past. Christmas was always so busy when the kids were little. There were programs and parties, gifts to buy friends, teachers, etc. Then I supervised them shopping for each other. Our shopping trip was an ALL day event. We lived several hours from the nearest city so rose early and were on the road by about six a.m. We spent about twelve hours shopping and then drove home, usually arriving in the early morning hours–exhausted by satisfied that the job had been done.
With shopping, parties, programs, baking, and company consuming so many of our days and hours it was sometimes difficult to remember what the season was really about so we began a tradition. We celebrated Jesus’ birthday Christmas Eve.
One of the older children read the Christmas story while the others acted it out. They created their own costumes and props.
We then brought in a birthday cake and with no light but that of the candles on the cake, we sang songs about the season then blew out the candles.
Before we had cake and icecream we all gave Jesus a birthday present. Each of us had our own envelope that we used year after year. At this stage of the party we would open the envelope, read what we’d written previously, add something for the present time and reseal it. I have not to this day opened and read what anyone wrote. I know each year I said, with God’s help I would strive to be more patient. Sigh. I’m still hoping to become more patient.
I have  lots of good memories of Christmases past and anticipate making news ones in a few days with my children and grandchildren. May we all enjoy the season and remember Jesus is the reason for the season.