Tradition!

The holidays are over and we're finally back home with suitcases that look like they exploded across the floor, stacks of Christmas presents that need to be put away, and a fridge that needs to be stocked.  Whether we like it or not, it's back to school and back to routine.
But before I become too busy with the overwhelming task of getting our lives put back together again, I have to stop and reflect on what made this Christmas season so special.
We started a few traditions that I hope will last for years to come.  My favorite was every night in December I read Christmas stories to the boys by candlelight.  They'd snuggle up next to me in their pajamas, teeth brushed, and ready for bed and by the flickering light of a candle we'd read Christmas stories.  Some stories were about Santa Claus but most were about giving and not receiving.  There is something magical that happens when you read by candlelight that makes the stories extra special.  After the story we'd sing a Christmas carol and nothing makes me tear up more than hearing Marcus sing every word to Silent Night.  After singing we'd kneel in family prayer.  My boys loved it and I will never forget their faces illuminated by the flickering candle as we read about the true meaning of Christmas.  We never missed a night, even when we were in Utah.
Although my boys are too young to appreciate the significance of the holiday, I hope that in years to come my boys will remember the traditions that made Christmas special, meaningful, and less materialistic.  I know I will.
Traditions are the glue that keeps family together.