The spirit of Christmas descends upon a nation. The child inside each of us renews the holiday traditions within their families. We yearn for the peace on earth feeling that inspires acts of generosity. Our hopes are refreshed and we count our blessings.

The best gift we could hope for was that our entire family would be at the house very soon. I unloaded the double stroller and baby bath toys from the eddie bauer convertible. Our newest granddaughter would be splashing in our tub and celebrating Christmas at her grandparents home.

By the time the family members had all arrived and unloaded kids and cars, we were ready to relax and trim the tree. The decorations were spread out from the dining room to the living room. The factory log was burning in the fireplace. The house was lit like a north pole holiday beacon.

Every family that celebrates Christmas has their own traditions and holiday expectations. We have much in common from the turkey to the trimming of the tree. Most of us have unique ornaments the bring back special shared memories. If there is a story that goes with a decoration you can trust that it is important to the family.

Hot buttered drinks and cider, Christmas music playing, and finally the star affixed to the top of the tree. The kids were watching a favorite holiday movie and the adults settled down to visit. I held my granddaughter and marveled at the resemblance to her mother and my wife.

Our family, like many others in America, celebrates a Christmas Eve evening worship service at our church. So many of our friend’s children reuniting with ours make it a cherished tradition. We came back home to the smell of roasting turkey and gather near the tree for the opening of just one gift each.

Faith, hope, and love cannot be gift wrapped. My wife had diplomatically put out the word that shopping for the kids was okay. She had something else in mind for the parents. Aunts and Uncles would be challenged in a way that the siblings would appreciate.

Our gift exchange was to be funny, made by hand, or a gift of something each of us already possessed. These ground rules would make the holiday more interesting and require some time and effort. It would also underscore the value of home and family instead of how you furnish your home.

Looking back on our Christmas day celebration I can say it exceeded my expectations. The children were excited, the meal was prepared with loving hands, and the gifts were imaginative. Everyone wrote a Christmas memory down on paper and it went into the family Christmas book. I am looking forward to next year’s chapter.