December 9, 2020

I think every parent wants their children to be better than they are. All four of my children have exceeded their parents in so many ways. I couldn't be happier.

Here is just one example. When our children were young we wanted to teach them the true meaning of Christmas. We started having the kids act out the Nativity every year starting when our youngest was only 2 years old. One year we decide to teach them the importance of giving rather than receiving. That year we only did a minimum of presents for the kids and instead took our Christmas money and with the kids bought gifts to give others in need. They kids also when their their toys and chose a nice and sometimes even favorite toy to give away.

One year we did a 12 days of Christmas for an elderly lady in our neighborhood. As a family we decided what we would do each day and then sneak down the block to her house to ding dong ditch. They kids had a lot of fun being Secret Santas. Then on Christmas Eve be baked Christmas cookies and all walked to her house to sing Christmas Carols. She was so touched and it was a very special Christmas. Side note. That year we had snow and ice. We lived on a hill and had lots of fun slipping and sliding (and probably falling) as we tried to walk home when our street was one solid sheet of thick ice.

So I thought we did pretty good. Here are a few examples of what my daughter,

MyLiege Hawkins

, has done for her children. They started when their first child was born buying a new Christmas story book every year. They wrap the books and put them under the tree at the beginning of December when they decorate their tree. Then each night the kids get to open a book and that is their story time book. Last Sunday, Grandpa got to read it to them. They also decorate a Jesus tree in addition to their regular Christmas tree. The Jesus tree is special as it is what they can give to Jesus. They also have a tradition of making special cookies that they only ever eat the night of the First Presidency Christmas Broadcast. We got to eat those on Sunday too. Yummmmmmmm. For several years MyLiege and her girls also participate in a service project to help the needy.

I just learned about two of her traditions last Sunday. I realized my other kids probably have their own traditions that I don't know about. So this year I am going to collect Christmas Traditions all my children do for their children.

All of these traditions have one thing in common. They all focus on the Savior. Many help us to try and be more like Him. Others help us think about Him.

I love Christmas.

#givethanks

23Sierra Langford, Kylee Wilcox and 21 others

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