Christmas Traditions

For years I’ve struggled to create the perfect Christmas Eve tradition. We always attend a church service and open one present, but I wanted a special and unique tradition. Even the dinner menu varied from year to year.

In addition, each year my "goal" was for our family to light an advent candle and read the corresponding Bible verses together on the four Sundays prior to Christmas. Never happened. (I know you know.)

Finally, I came up with a wonderful Christmas Eve tradition that I love and want to share with you all -- just in case you, too, are perhaps seeking new traditions to share with your loved ones.

First of all, I get a kick out of fondue, but seldom go to the trouble. So, a few years ago, I requested a fondue pot from each one of my three kids for my November birthday (pretty nifty timing, I might add). Now, after the Christmas Eve church service, we look forward to our new fondue tradition consisting of:

Fondue pot #1: Cheesy appetizer
Fondue pot #2: Steak and chicken
Fondue pot #3: Chocolate dessert (with a Jesus “angel” food birthday cake for dipping)

However, UN-lit advent candles still prevailed. Then it occurred to me - why not take the four weeks of advent and roll them into one gathering on Christmas Eve after our fondue meal?

So that’s what we’ve done the last few years and I have to tell you, it’s my favorite tradition. I almost look forward to this evening more than Christmas Day. It holds the true meaning of Christmas before all the hoopla hits the next day. All you need is:

• 1 wreath (placed in the middle of the table)
• 4 candle holders (spaced evenly around the perimeter)
• 4 tall candles
• 1 big white candle (placed in the center)
• Bible