Disclaimer: Admittedly this is a longer one but hey it's good stuff and you get more of our story so take a peak.... I dare you! And besides I go back to work Tuesday so you might not hear from me for a while.
As many of us wrap up Thanksgiving and dive into the Christmas Season, I am positive that we are all completely busy and trying to cram even more events into the schedule. Not to mention the disruptions that the holidays cause such as the extra shopping, kids being out of school and parents still working, seasonal jobs, overtime (which I am about to jump back into on Tuesday after I get my sea legs re-established), some companies slowing down and vacations. Let's be honest this time of year can be chaotic and stressful to say the very least.
Yet, here I am contemplating Family Traditions (and taking time to write out my thoughts when I should be folding laundry). Where are your priorities Corie?!?!? Keep reading I promise I am going somewhere with this and laundry can wait.
When Brock and I were first married we struggled to really define what OUR family traditions were going to be. For so long we were the son/daughter and brother/sister. Now we were Husband and Wife. Many years we would discuss what our family of origins did during the holidays. We talked about old memories; opening can after can of worms of emotions. Sentences began: Yes, I loved.... I hated.... My mom and dad always did.... We traveled... One year we did... I never want to do this because.... We HAVE to do this because....
We have also spent many years "invading" our friends homes to see and experience what other families did for Holidays. We asked questions and talked more about what we liked and did not like. Somehow, we still did not really have any defined "Lusch Family Traditions."
As I look back at those early years, I have to consider a few factors. We were married in 2007. I was 22, Brock 25 and we were both wrapping up our college careers. I went on to complete a masters degree and we knew that kids were not in the cards during those days. So when the holidays rolled around it was EASY to just pack up the car, bring the little dog, drive several hours and spend time with our families of origin.
What brings me to this moment today? Three little beings:
Rose (Our 2010 miscarriage)
Hezekiah - 2013
Ruby - 2015
It wasn't until H, that traditions really started becoming heavier on our hearts. It's amazing what adding a little human so dependent upon you to teach them EVERYTHING will do. Those Parenting Lens that invisibly build up over your corneas change the way you look at EVERYTHING.
And just like the Parenting Lens and Life Stages that change, grow, form; so too do the Family Traditions begin to solidify. This was my realization tonight. In the early years we were somewhat lost because it was just us and visiting family was our tradition even though that was clearly not what we wanted long term. Now that we have a home and kids some family traditions sneak in while others are firmly/intentionally planted.
Our family is growing up. H will be 5 in less than 3 months and R is 2. They are sponges. Brock and I are the water meant to keep them nourished, safe, and giving them tools to build up a firm foundation so that one day they will be adults able to leave our home confident and equipped. Much of what we teach them is based on our beliefs that Jesus is the Christ and that the Bible is true. I know that not everyone reading this will have the same view points but we all have reasons for why we parent the way that we do.
So this year we have developed 2 new family traditions both rather by happy accident.
Our first: out of the prompting of a photo shoot and craft day at our church. (I have a deep desire to craft/create in multiple facets, hello writing is one of them :-)) So we indulged and came home with a Thankfulness tree. We simply painted a tree on poster-board, cut some leaves, took it home and each day at dinner we would each add a leaf. Brock even got creative a few days later and added a turkey as an envelope holder for our leaf reserves. The kids constantly asked to add leaves to the tree and we were having conversations about what and why they were thankful. It was a wonderful blessing to see them excited. As the days past, the tree filled out. As guests entered our home we encouraged them to add leaves. And then Thanksgiving past and we began to transition the decor to Christmas.Hezekiah was upset, borderline angry, that we took down the Thankfulness Tree. It was evident that he really loved the activity and did not want to give it up. What's a parent to do...
Our second: Welcome the Blessing Tree. Very similar concept. I have painted a Christmas tree, complete with star. And we are now going to be "decorating" it will bulbs and lights. Each will get an individual's name, a families name, or group that we will be praying for that day. I am positive this will continue to teach our children to think outside of themselves (reducing selfishness), encourage them to consider others, let them lead prayer, teach them how to pray, and hopefully make this a long term habit once the visual reminders are no longer in place. This is also a great reminder for Brock and I to pray for others whom are not normally on our radar.
What are some of your Family Traditions? Have you struggled with this in the past? Brock and I would love to hear about them. Post a comment below or on Facebook.
Signing Off,
BWM
PS: Note that my art work is far from perfect. I quote a very good friend who told me yesterday, "It is better to be done instead of perfect." My response to her was, "my kids won't see or remember perfect."
Praying you are encouraged.
By the way, happy to share details about how to make these crafts.
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