I will not be quoting scripture today. Today will be about traditions and memories.

I will be joining my family at my daughter’s house later today to celebrate what has become our family tradition. We have a combined family Christmas Eve where we share our gifts to one another. Then tomorrow each of my children will break up into their respective families and celebrate Christmas morning and the day as they transition into traditions apart from my influence.

For many years my father and mother held a tradition of the eve of anticipation. Nothing was opened until Christmas morning. The first remembrance of opening presents on Christmas Eve happened in my tender pre-teen years. I was old enough to stay up later and celebrate some of the older experiences, but not all of them. I was sorely disappointed when I was told to go to bed earlier than I desired. I had expected to stay up later.

Begrudgingly and with many a moan I climbed the stairs to the room I shared with my older brother. When we turned on the lights we each found snow skis on our beds. This was our first Christmas Eve presents. Sorrow turned to joy and disappointment to gladness.

I was married for eight years before we had children so the issue of Christmas traditions did not come into play until the children were old enough to recognize the Christmas season. We had different backgrounds and experiences and it took some time before our blend of traditions took shape. Eventually our Christmas Eve tradition developed and Christmas day became more about sharing with friends and allowing the children to renew their excitement with our friend’s children.

Children get older and some traditions change because we evolve and what is important changes. Then when they marry and they find themselves blending into a new family of their own, they decide what and how to celebrate this season. This is as it should be and I am thankful for that and this day that includes me and what remains of my Eve Exchange.