Holiday Season Traditions & Mommy Guilt

The change of seasons – they are so regular, and yet there is promise of something new in each change.  The blessing that is a new season is glorious.  And to think that as mothers we have the chance to add family tradition into these seasons is amazing.

Holiday traditions can take over so easily it seems.  I mean that has to be why so many people talk about stripping the holidays down to the bare necessity. Every year I listen to different people mention how they aren’t going to fill their calendar with traditional events because they don’t want their family to the “reason for the season.” Of course while I’m listening I tend to agree… but then, later, when I’m alone with my thoughts, I remember that those special, traditional family events were a huge part of my childhood and hold great memories.  Memories that I hope and pray my kids will have when they are grown up.  And who else is there that will make it a priority to carve out the time in our schedules to add in the holiday traditions?

You see for me there was such a major build up to the whole holiday season when I was young (well really I still count down this time of year!).  My family had a few standing traditions: decorating for Thanksgiving, hosting dinner for the extended family, setting up Christmas decorations the weekend after Thanksgiving, advent wreaths, Christmas carol parties…  I really could go on and on.  Some of these traditions were big events, others were small moments we shared as a family.  But each one holds a special place in my heart as times when my family focused on each other and being together to celebrate – to truly revel in joy.

There was a period of time when I felt guilty over having many traditions during the holidays. I mean I’m a young mother still building traditions for our little family. And there are battles to be waged over which traditions to continue and which to let go of. Recently, I’ve received some Grace in realizing that for me and my family, the traditions my husband and I decide on are a way of showing love. Even more importantly they are glimpses for my kids into what it will be like to truly rejoice in the presence of the Creator of all blessings.

So, dear friends, if you are feeling the “mommy guilt” that so often sneaks in during seasons such as these, please please let it go. Pray fiercely that such guild will be removed. Realize that you are here, on this earth to open the small window to your children to see the love their Redeemer.  And the Holiday season is the perfect time to go over the top and show them celebrations and joy! Find what you enjoy most and make time for it so that your littles can see the joy in you.  I promise you that such an effort will not be returned as nothing.

What are some holiday traditions you are looking forward to this year?  Is there one that you feel mommy guilt over?  I’d love to hear your stories!

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