I'll be the first to admit, I let myself get stressed during this time of year, even though I know I shouldn't. I can get overwhelmed with all the parties and the sometimes questionable weather. But once December 25th comes around, it was all worth it. I wouldn't trade the time with loved ones for anything.
If I can, I'd like to share with you some of my favorite traditions during this time of year. Most of them are silly and really have no relation to the birth of our Savior, but they do put me in a Christmas mood, which does make me think more of my Savior and how I need to work harder on being more like Him. So in no particular order of importance here's some of my favorite things of Christmas:
Trains:
Putting a train around the Christmas tree has been a tradition in my family since I was 5 years old. My mom had a lot of patience in allowing the Hesterman Railroad overtake her whole front room during the Holidays. The trains had a small village to drive through and additions were always being made every year. I've carried the tradition on in our own home, but to a much smaller scale.
Organ Recital:
This tradition also started when I was around 5 years old. My dad is an organ man. He tunes, builds, fixes, plays and sells organs. Pipe organs that is. Every year on Christmas Eve my dad does an Organ Recital of Christmas carols. He has a few songs he plays every year and also has the audience sing along to Christmas hymns while he plays. It is a great way to finish Christmas eve, the show doesn't start until 10 p.m. (used to be 11, but he's moved it up in recent years), people from my parents ward/stake come and it is a nice way to unwind after all the busyness of Christmas eve.
Twelve Days of Christmas:
No Hesterman Christmas party is complete unless the Twelve Days of Christmas song is sung. This is quite the production. If I understand the story correctly, my uncles had to learn some actions to this song back in Jr. High or High School, but they put their own special twist on the actions. This is quite a ridiculous and silly performance to watch. Every year my Grandma worries that the family will destroy her house while singing this song, but it the old place seems to hold up.
Christmas Ornaments:
Finally, I love Christmas Ornaments. They always seem to have a story to tell. Some don't. Some are just balls or are shinny, but it seems like most people have a few ornaments that have a special meaning to them. I like to hear those stories. Melissa has a few "story" ornaments that friends or past students have given her. I love to have her tell me about them.
So those are some of the things I look forward to every year at this time. Out of all these things though, I look forward to celebrating the birth of our Savior with our family. I'm so blessed to have an amazing family (Melissa's family is included when I say amazing family). I'm grateful for their love, support and examples. They teach me so much. May all of you have a very wonderful Christmas season. Merry Christmas!
1 comments:
Dear Billy,
I love you. I love your coolness and kindness. I love your hair. I love you in sweaters. I love you in socks. I love you in every way, cuz you're great. The end!
- Melissa
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