However so often we just continue these "traditions" without
evaluating them; sometimes we even dread following through with a tradition (sometimes even knowing full well that the rest of the family is dreading it as well), but going through with it every year. We need to stop and evaluate each of these traditions, with the help of our husbands. This time of celebrating the birth of our Savior should not be one filled with stress and anxiety, but one of peace, joy, love and laughter; giving glory to HIM!
About three years ago we were expecting a baby (Miss J) soon after Christmas. We knew we needed to scale down Christmas so that I (and the rest of the family) would not be burned out and exhausted just in time for a new baby. This caused us to really look at what we wanted to do with our time. We had to say "no" both to ourselves and to others. We cut back on some of the "traditional" things we did and enjoyed a slower paced holiday season.
We've learned from that season and continue to evaluate each activity ahead of time (if possible) and as they come up. It helped us last year when Miss C was still a newborn (about 6 weeks) for her first Christmas, as I recovered from the birth, and we adjusted to another bundle of joy. It also allows us to follow where God leads and not be in bondage to the plans of our hearts.
"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9
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