By Lisa Santelli

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year. From the smell of cinnamon and spruce, lights decorating trees and rooftops, to beautifully wrapped gifts, it’s a time I crave to slow down, even though the pace often picks up. 

Reflecting on the traditions kept over the years, I realize how many have shifted. Sending Christmas letters? Very sporadic. Baking cookies? Every few years. Wrapping gifts, bows and all? Until time runs out and in a bag it goes. But there is one constant no matter what: decorating the tree. I love every aspect from the sparkle, greenery, ribbon and finally the ornaments. My background noise rotates between Christmas carols to cheesy holiday movies. Growing up, decorating the tree was my “job,” and keeping this tradition helps me feel closer to family that lives states away.

Some traditions, though, can lose their meaning when you no longer are able to share them with the people who originally made them special. I was talking to a friend recently who was stepping into a new season. Her kids were getting engaged and moving out. New family members were altering timeslots. A multi-course dinner was turning into a shortened early brunch. A once treasured Christmas pastime of gathering in her kitchen to bake gifts was turning into a chore—everyone baking alone, dropping off the goods, then rushing off. The traditions of togetherness were changing. The meaning behind the tradition was shifting. And it raised the question: what does it really mean in the fullness of Christmas?  

Traditions are wonderful things to keep, especially when they fill you and others with joy. Jesus observed many traditions, including celebrating Jewish festivals. These were times of honor and remembrance. Keeping a tradition should bring that same reflection, creating space for enjoyment with others, and in the true spirit of Christmas, a time to honor our Savior. But it’s also okay to recognize what you once held tightly no longer holds the same meaning. It may be hard to let go and it’s okay to admit if you miss what once was. 

Starting a new tradition can feel awkward at first. Many years ago, my husband and I moved to a new state with over a thousand miles between us and our family. Getting everyone together wasn’t always easy—or even possible. So, we began new rhythms that often ebb and flow. Some years, Christmas has been spent with family members. Other years, with new friends. And, for a few years, we’ve been by ourselves, which is the hardest. There is both a sweetness in the slowness, but an aching in missing the loud and crowded festivities. This year, we are hosting family, and my heart is so full. I plan to dust off some of our old traditions, from favorite meals to silly stocking stuffers, and enjoy every minute of time that will go too fast. 

I know many who are walking through hard times. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, change in a financial situation, or a fractured relationship, the joy of Christmas may not feel quite the same. If the holiday season is a challenging time for you, I pray you lean into the One who is to be centrally celebrated. May the spirit of Jesus fill you with peace, hope and joy.  

I won’t challenge you to start any new traditions, but I will encourage you to invite Jesus into every aspect of this season. Let Him guide both the new and old traditions, and “may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13