From Full Houses to Quiet Mornings: A Christmas of Family and Faith
for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
— Luke 2:11
(NASB1995)
Stacii - Christmas has always been about family for me, but becoming a mom gave the season an entirely new kind of magic. When my kids were little, Christmas Day usually started quietly at home with just us. Later in the afternoon, we’d gather again when the kids' grandparents would come over for dinner. It was simple, familiar, and exactly what we needed in that season of life.
One of my favorite memories from those years was the night the neighborhood fire department would drive the fire truck through the streets about a week before Christmas. Lights flashing, sirens going, Christmas music blasting, it was such a big deal. I’d bundle the kids up and rush outside, and if I’m being honest, I think I was more excited than they were. Something about that fire truck still feels like the official kickoff to Christmas.
Christmas with my Little Sister and Two of My Cousins
Another tradition that’s always been close to my heart is our big family Christmas party, usually held somewhere between the 17th and 19th of December. I grew up in a family where my cousins felt more like siblings, especially on my dad’s side, and that carried right into adulthood. As a mom, it’s been so special to watch that tradition continue with my kids and now my cousins’ kids. Every year, about 30 of us pack into one house to eat too much food, laugh loudly, and exchange White Elephant gifts that are equal parts ridiculous and competitive. It’s chaotic in the best way, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
These days, Christmas morning looks a little different. The house is quieter now. Dave and I ease into the day with coffee, usually watching football or a Christmas movie while we wait for our adult kids to arrive later. Since one lives far away, it’s often just our youngest who comes over, along with my mom. But even with a smaller table, we still gather for a good meal, slow conversation, and time together, and that part still matters just as much.
I’ve learned that traditions don’t have to stay the same to stay meaningful. They shift, soften, and grow along with us. And whether the house is full and loud or quiet and cozy, Christmas continues to remind me how lucky I am, to be a mom, to have family, and to carry these traditions forward in whatever season we’re in.
Teresa - Hey, it’s Teresa, and you’ll see that some of my family's Christmas traditions are similar to what Stacii shared above.
Christmas with My Siblings
Christmas has always held a special place in my heart. From the very beginning, it’s been about celebrating the birth of Jesus and the reminder of hope, love, and light that this season brings. As a very young child, my siblings and I would reenact Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. Shout out to my sister for playing the donkey each year because she was the oldest (love you, Tam). I also always looked forward to Christmas Eve with my dads side of the family, spending time with my grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles, playing bingo for some pretty hilarious prizes. It wasn’t fancy or elaborate, but it was full of togetherness, and that’s what made it magical.
For many years, as a military wife, Christmas was spent away from family, which was so very hard, even though we loved spending time with other military families and friends. Back home now for the past 13 years, I find myself soaking in the joy of spending the holidays with my adult children, siblings, parents, and spouse, appreciating these moments in a deeper way. Creating new traditions and continuing old ones, from purchasing our Christmas tree from my grandfather’s old farm, making homemade cinnamon rolls with my kiddos, and attending Christmas Eve service. What I’ve come to realize is that Christmas isn’t about recreating the past perfectly, but instead it’s about honoring it while making room for new memories. It’s in the shared meals, the quiet conversations, the laughter, and even the pauses in between. These moments remind me how blessed I am and why this season continues to be my favorite year after year.
No matter what stage of life you’re in, our hope is that this season encourages you to slow down, cherish the people around you, and celebrate the traditions both new and old, making Christmas meaningful to you.