I’m not traditional, but I certainly love traditions. I think the appeal of something being repeated over a vast number of years is that it makes that thing seem very stable, perhaps real. So I’m all for celebrating holidays the same each year, creating memories, and occasionally installing new traditions.
I had a lot of time to think this week. The onset of the flu, which I hope is NOT a new Christmas tradition, forced this energetic chic to slow down a little bit. It gave me a chance to really get excited about the upcoming holiday and look forward to the celebration of the season. It also got me wondering, how do YOU celebrate Christmas?
How the Ritchie’s Celebrate Christmas.
1. Advent
I’ve participated in Advent many years now, and it is truly how David and I have chosen to celebrate Christmas. It begins about four weeks before Christmas, and can be celebrated in many different ways. The word “advent” means “coming.” The purpose of Advent as a Ritchie tradition is spend a month of the year dedicated to the expectancy and celebration of Jesus Christ, the God who rescued us. For me, it has been a time to remember why Jesus died and all that His death and resurrection accomplished for my life. It has also been a time to acknowledge the fact that this world is still not as it should be, and celebrate the fact I am waiting for the day that Jesus will come again to make right every injustice and wipe away every tear.
If you are interested in making Advent a part of your traditions, click on these podcasts David preached last Advent.
Also check out this amazing sonnet by Seth Wieck. Seth is an amazing writer (check out his tumblr ), and he and his wife Katie are our sweet friends. Allow this to stir your heart to worship Jesus this Advent.
Advent Sonnet #2
O Messiah, Your prism mysteries
Have scattered the light ‘cross my feeble eyes.
In my blinking, I’ve seen the strange stories
Of how one man born can be fathered twice.
Son of Man, son of Adam, David’s son:
Death spread to all men because we all sinned.
You, grafted in, donned our skin to be undone
Like the oven-fired grasses just de-stemmed.
Son of God, declared by resurrection:
The Glory of Your heavenly Father
Breathed new life into fallen creation
With the same Spirit that hovered o’er waters.
By that Spirit do we call out, “Father!”,
Having been dead, now raised His sons and daughters.
2. Our Annual Christmas Tree Walk.
There is a place near our house that sells live Christmas trees. Each year we say that we will just go with the fake tree, but each year usually late at night I give into my traditionalist heart. This cave is followed us getting all bundled up and walking up the street, picking out a tree, and my amazing husband carrying it all the way home. This year was no different. Friday night, our tradition continued.
3. Make and Eat Buckeyes.
These delicious, fudge-like treats have been my favorite for as long as I can remember. I love to make them, I love to eat them, and I love to give them as Christmas gifts. More than anything, I enjoy giving my love to the world’s greatest sports team, The Ohio State University. Go Bucks!
And don’t worry, I’m not shy with the recipe. Here’s it is!
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These are just a few “Ritchie Family Christmas Traditions.” I’d love to hear some of your’s, feel free to post a comment and share.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
-KR:)
Calvin in the Christmas spirit.
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