Christmas is a very special season for our family, we decorate almost every corner of our home, invite families for Christmas dinners and we have a Christmas savings to buy gifts that we personally wrap. Two family traditions that we observe are Christmas tree lighting night and advent nights.
This year was going to be a bit different, we were suppose to forego of the traditions; we have a 3 month old baby, we just moved in to our new home, no more Kuya Diego (handy man, driver and gofer) and we thought Gelo & Monty were already old for these traditions.
But everything changed after we had dinner with Pastor Joel & Jenny Magpantay, at our neighbor P.Chinkee & Nove’s place. It was very timely how they shared about surprising their kids with Christmas in November so just not to break a family tradition. P.Joel & Jenny flew in from the US last November 15. They already set up their place before they left so as to keep with their family tradition, which their kids who are young adults cherished so much.
Then I read a blog by Filipino Mommy Blogger, Thammie Sy about leaving Christmas traditions as legacy to your kids. I’m also currently reading The Christmas Spirit by Joel Osteen where he emphasizes the value of passing on family Christmas memories to the next generation.
Yet and I sat down and calendared December 10 to be the official kick off of our 2010 Advent Night. I surprised the kids with their favorite porterhouse steak and mashed potatoes for dinner and we shared about our Christmas memories. Just before dessert, we closed with a prayer for our family thanking God for a great 2010 and how we look forward to 2011. We also prayed that as a family we could share the real meaning of Christmas to other families.
This Christmas spend for your family; spend time, share memories and create a tradition that is more valuable than any gift that you can give them.
From our family to yours, Merry CHRISTmas & a Happy New Year!
Merry Christmas! We love you guys! <3