Create a New Family Tradition

Last Christmas Eve was a night I won’t soon forget. In the spirit of slowing down and remembering what the holidays mean to our family, we went to our church’s Christmas Eve service. Now anyone with kids will know that trying to keep three small children entertained, appropriate and quiet during a service can be an exercise in futility and may be best not attempted. In fact since the kids were born we hadn’t braved it out on this special night. But last year we added this new tradition to our family routine. Oh sure they were wiggly and we probably shushed them a little but that’s not what I’ll remember.

I’ll remember the moment when we all were still. I’ll remember the lone candle that lit each family’s space. The church glowed with a multitude of small flames and we sang Silent Night in unison. The kids looked around mesmerized. They had never seen such a sight, nor had I. As we later meandered our way home through the dark neighborhood, a pale pretty barn owl swooped gracefully through the cool night air. As it crossed in front of us I sat awestruck, lost in the moment.

I don’t really remember last year’s Christmas gifts or the clinic’s crazy number of sick children, or even what we ate for dinner. I do, however, remember specifically how it felt to be in that church and later how it felt to see that owl. Being willing to creating a new family tradition had brought such pleasant rewards.

What new tradition will you start this holiday to bring you closer to the spirit of the season?

Sheila Cason, MD