Extending The Christmas Holiday

        

      When our children were young, we had a tradition born out of the desire to “lengthen the Christmas holidays.”  I read an article somewhere about how someone had anonymously left gifts at a friend’s home/apartment for the twelve preceding days of Christmas. On the first day, they left fresh bread; the second, two oranges; the third, three apples and continued this giving without being discovered.  The recipient was blessed since they were alone, because their family lived many miles away.  

            As I thought about all the awesome ways we prepare for Christmas, I reflected on how hard we work to prepare for the holiday: baking, cleaning, shopping, planning and so much more!  We decorate and trim the tree, our house and yard in festive lights and often larger than life ornaments!  

Many towns across the nation are a beautiful example of this.  Areas are decorated in an amazing showcase of lights; with Christmas parades, train rides, cookie bakes, Christmas Caroling, nativity pageants, Choral holiday performances, symphonies, band concerts and so much more; all getting ready for Christmas!

            Finally, Christmas Eve!  Our family traditionally attended the Christmas Eve service and then each of our five children opened a single gift from under the tree.  The rest had to wait.  Then, on Christmas morning, in about thirty minutes all the gifts were opened.  The pretty paper that once covered the contents of all the gifts was now littered all over the living room as the children ooohhhed and ahhhhhed over their gifts.  

            It was now time for cleanup.  Families vary when they take the tree down, but usually within a few days after Christmas.  Everything is stripped away. Somehow it is depressing at that moment.  It is done.  Over.  Finished!  What a let down!

            It occurred to me I could extend the Christmas holidays with a bit of creativity.   I decided to have each of the children open a single gift for twelve days AFTER Christmas!  I admit, my husband thought I was nuts.  But I set out to purchase small gifts: pencils, tablets, toothpaste, hair gadgets, small cars for the boys, art supplies and other gifts unique to small children and labeled them appropriately.  Using colored comics that came in the Sunday paper, I wrapped each gift and after all other gifts were opened and some put away, I placed these new gifts under the nearly empty tree. (There is always a stray gift that needs delivering after the holiday.)

            There was such joy as the children gathered around the tree every night right before bedtime to open another gift.  The children took turns each night choosing a gift for their siblings.  They were positively delighted.  The following year, and thereafter, my husband and I also participated in “our new tradition.”  He bought my gifts, and I, his.  This little tradition carried over into our children’s families who now do the same thing with their children!

I realize it’s past Christmas, so this idea is kind of a moot point for this year, but you can begin planning for next…..or get creative and just decide to do something with your family-- now and every day!

            I encourage you to spend time with your family after the “big day.”  Remember, Christmas —-nor the Christmas ‘season’ is about a single day.  It’s a feeling we should have year ‘round.  It’s what we should “do” every day as a matter of purpose.  When we share “Christmas” with our families and friends, we are able to give a “gift” every day of the year!

#Christmas #ChristmasSeason #Family #Traditions #GiftIdeas  #Children

Photo Credit: https://pixabay.com/images/search/end%20of%20the%20year/