3. Model Heritage: Last year, we gave gifts from our cultural heritage. We ate food from Scotland, Ireland, England, Germany and the Native American culture. Some year’s we have shared stories from our childhood, or interviewed the eldest relative (and video taped it!) One year, I wrote a children’s story about a year in the Depression when my grandfather, a teenager at the time, worked extra jobs to buy supplies to make sure all 12 of his siblings got a gift (which he made) under the tree. There is richness in your own family tree.

In the sharing of memories, simple values are passed from generation to generation like a strong work ethic, sacrifice for country, the priority of the traditional view of marriage as between a man and a woman, and the value of honoring God with our lives. Stories carry values, so share stories, but also ask questions. By asking questions you show you care. There maybe a gift you can give to each person that carries a story you could share first or ask a discussion question that would be answered  before each opens his/her gift.   

5. Model Relationship: Our ministry offers a free “family Advent conversation starter” based on the Christmas story and Is 9:6 at www.farrelcommunications.com. This simple candle lighting is a nice pre-meal tradition that includes all members of the family. Some read pieces of the Christmas story, some light candles, and all share answers to various questions so we can share on a deeper more meaningful level. We also give a “blessing” over each person who sits at our Christmas table, we share ways we have seen them grow, or celebrate successes, and we pray and ask God’s favor over his/her life. Even the “Grinch” at your table will have his/her heart warmed by this personalized gesture of positive affirmation and love.

6. Model Spirituality. Christmas would not exist except “God so loved the world that He gave His only son.” Without Jesus, there would be no star on the tree top or angels hanging from the branches; there would be no twinkling lights without the one who came as “the light of men”; there would be no gifts shared if the wise men never brought gifts to the manger. Make the reading of the Christmas story, the playing of Christmas music that honors the Christ child, or going to worship services together as a family a part of this holiday.   

Make this the Christmas you celebrate with lasting impact.  From our home to yours, Merry Blessed Christmas!    

Bill and Pam Farrel