Christmas Traditions

December 17, 2025

Posted by Meagan

According to the AI overview, “A tradition is a belief, custom, or practice passed down through generations within a group or society, holding special meaning and often shaping identity, like family holiday rituals or cultural celebrations. Simply put, it’s ‘the way things have always been done’ by a specific people, culture, or family, carrying significance from the past.”

These traditions get to be that way for a reason. Someone remembered it from a previous year and looked back on it fondly. Or they don’t remember a time when they weren’t doing that thing. So to it is with our staff.

But I do find it interesting that we all seem to get caught up in the hubbub of what this month holds. Just like I’m sure you do. There are extra responsibilities, events, baking, etc. that we have to get done. And sometimes want to get done.

So, if you, like some of us, are feeling the to-do list pressure; here is your invitation to sit with the true Father Christmas and soak him in for a few minutes before you head out the door, or tackle your next to-do. Take a Mary Minute (turning off your Martha brain for a moment), look at some twinkly lights, have a sip of a warm beverage, and prepare your heart for what is to come.

Maybe even listen to our MM staff favorites – Christmas playlist on Spotify

We asked our staff to participate in sharing some fun traditions or ways they like to celebrate the holidays, here are a few of their answers…

What’s a Christmas Tradition you love?

We head to our eldest daughter and son-in-law, who happily takes charge of cooking breakfast, for a full morning feast, followed by games, grazing, and possibly a movie.
Family Time!
Setting up my Christmas village with the kids.
Attending midnight Mass
A new tradition of lighting advent candles each week leading up to Christmas, has already proven to be a special time. We also still love our long time tradition of setting up our Nativity prior to Thanksgiving because Jesus is who we are most thankful for.
Reading Luke 2 every Christmas Eve
Lighting our Advent candles and reading by the Christmas tree lights.
Putting the tree up and watching my kids get excited over the ornaments. Also, matching jammies for the kids is always a bonus!
Playing Kenny G Christmas on Christmas morning as we open gifts!

What Christmas movie, song, or treat instantly put you in the holiday mood?

Movie: Miracle on 34th Street
Movie: White Christmas with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye | Song: Christmas with the Rat Pack CD (2002) traditional hymns and holiday favs sung by Sinatra, Martin, and Davis
Song: Any Christmas song always puts me in the holiday spirit, especially playing the classics on my record player. Treat: My favorite treat I look forward to all year is Roasterie Holiday Blend coffee with a little splash of egg nog. It tastes like Christmas in a cup!
Song: singing and dancing in my kitchen with my kids to any Christmas song. Or debating whether the song is really a Christmas song or not.
Movie: Elf; Song: Sleigh Ride; Treat: sugar cookies or fudge
Song: Kenny G Christmas album

How do you find peace or joy during the busy holiday season?

My church community! And I love the Christmas Eve service.
Focusing on the reason why we celebrate, listening to certain songs can help with this, like O Holy Night, Mary Did You Know, and How Many Kings.
Being mindful and deliberate of the liturgical season of Advent brings peace. Joy is strolling in the evenings with my sweet husband, enjoying the beautiful Christmas lights.
I enjoy finding good Advent reading plans on the Bible app that I read along with my husband or friends in December. Those help my heart stay calm and focused on Jesus as the Christmas carol invites me to “O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.”
Bible readings or other Advent devotionals
Advent readings; taking time to look at Christmas lights

What is your hope/wish/dream for the year ahead?

Deeper trust and reliance on God
That our family, who have now all moved from Colorado to Missouri, will settle into our new homes well!
My hope and prayer for the year ahead is to continue to be shaped and used by God in meaningful ways that spread His love and joy to those around me.
My hope is to be used for God’s glory in my work and in my family.
Being more intentional with my time