Christmas Traditions

It's that time of year! You have to pull out all the old Christmas classics and watch them like they are new movies. I just went to see my favorite Christmas film, Miracle on 34th Street (1947 version!), at a local theatre that plays old movies. It never gets old! Everyone's favorite scene in the court room with Mr. Gailey triumphing with his packages of letters is one of the most clever ideas I've seen done in a story. What are your favorite Christmas films?

Traditions are so special, especially the ones associated with holidays. Every family has their unique way of celebrating. One debate that seems to be the most controversial is real or fake tree! But no matter what your preferences are Christmas time has the most beautiful and special traditions. My favorite decorating tradition is putting up our Christmas village. We have a whole collection of St. Nicholas Square pieces. We started with just a little house and added one year after year, until our finished setup takes up an entire room and is quite a picturesque town!

And what about Christmas songs? There are more songs about Christmas than a person can even count. My favorite is "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Christmas songs really get you in the spirit for celebrating and bringing people together. And, of course, the best traditions of all are attending Christmas Mass, whether it be Midnight Mass or morning Mass. Today, Gaudete Sunday, reminds us of the true joy of the season, that is the coming of Christ.

Let us cherish our traditions because they have been handed down to us and remind us that we celebrate this holiday year after year to rejoice in the Savior of the World.