My Favorite Christmas Tradition

As the Christmas season approaches, I'm sure everyone has at least one special tradition or event  that they look forward to whether it be attending Christmas Eve church service, reading Twas' the Night Before Christmas, eggnog chugging contests, or in my family's case a good old fashion bear hunt.  For me, my favorite Christmas pastime is the giving and receiving of Christmas cards.

I have mailed Christmas cards annually since I graduated from undergrad pushing 8 years ago.  Growing up we exchanged cards at church but I don't remember sending them out... I'm sure Mama did.  She now writes a "newsletter" that she puts in the cards to fill everyone in on our lives.  It's rather entertaining and very sweet... way to go Mom haha.  More than one of you may raise an eyebrow at this little nugget of information, but it's the truth... sending out cards is very special to me and so is receiving messages from loved ones.  Mikey and I have had a card arch leading into the kitchen every year for the past 7 years.

In a time where social media and the internet reign supreme I enjoy sending and receiving actual paper and pen messages.  I'm thankful for Facebook, Twitter, and e-mail messages because they do allow me to send well wishes quickly and easily at little to no cost.  I can keep up with what's going on in people's lives with the click of a button...celebrating with them in good and sending them thoughts and prayers during the not so good.  But it's something about taking the time to write (or print) cards, stuff envelopes, and spend the moolah to mail these cards that means something more.  Maybe it's just the simple fact that with time being such a precious commodity these days the people you send these messages of love, gratitude, encouragement, forgiveness, or celebration to are worth a hour or two or three of your busy schedule.  I think it's an excellent way to reach out to family and friends that you may not get to see very often and who are still a meaningful and important part of your life.  I think it's also a great way to share the true message of the season... the birth and love of Christ and how we are to love and cherish one another. During a very lonely time of year for many people, a card or a letter can be a simple reminder that they are not alone.      

Christmas time is one of my favorite times of the year and I must admit that there is more than one special tradition that I look forward to during this time but I think it's also important to not lose sight of the fact that the advent season is also a time of reflection and repentance leading up to the joy and celebration of what this season is truly about... the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.  Truth be told that while I do love Christmas, Easter is actually my absolute favorite season...sorrowing in His death, but rejoicing in His resurrection, and consequently my rebirth in Him.

I hope that you and your families have a very, very blessed Christmas season! If you'd like a Christmas card.. send me your address.  I'd be happy to share some love.  <3