Christmas is an amazing time of the year. As someone who studies cultures, I love to read about the Christmas traditions of different countries. In Austria, for example, the season of Christmas starts on December 5th, and on the day before Christmas, choirs will go house to house singing Christmas carols. Part of this tradition is to commemorate the search of the wise men as they traveled seeking the newborn King. Since moving to Austria, we have discovered the wonderful Christmas markets that open in many of the streets and plazas in Vienna. The pungent aroma of the market food mixed with the cheerful greetings of Fröhliche Weihnachten (Merry Christmas) creates a warm, celebratory atmosphere.
Just as many cultures have their different ways of celebrating the Christmas season, so do families. Growing up my mother would make a traditional Italian Antipasto during Christmas. My mom is a first generation Italian American and she carried on the tradition passed down by my grandmother. My wife fell in love with the practice and we continue it in our home. Some families open gifts on Christmas eve, others wait until Christmas morning. Some read the Christmas story from Luke before opening presents while others may celebrate communion. Ask some of your youth leaders and teenagers about their family traditions. Can you spot any cultural differences? While various cultures and families celebrate the birth of our savior in their own way, we all celebrate the same thing- God giving his greatest gift, Jesus.
This Christmas let me encourage you to add a new tradition to your family Christmas. Perhaps you might look for someone who has no family in the area and invite them to be a part of your family for the holidays. You could take gifts to the children’s ward at a local hospital. You could consider contacting some of the churches in West Florida or California to see how you can help those impacted by the hurricane or forest fires. There are many different things that you could do to bring the joy of the season to those who are in need. The family tradition you start this year could be carried on for generations to come.
If you’re still looking for that perfect gift for your youth leaders, why not give them something they will enjoy and enhance their ministry? Send them a copy of More Than Pizza: Youth Ministry Beyond Our Culture and Ethnicity. It’s available on Amazon complete with gift wrapping!
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