Life Lived Abundantly: Christmas Traditions

With a new little addition to our family comes new Christmas traditions for our little family.

Some of them will evolve over time, some will start fresh this year, and some may be so intertwined with our own childhoods, that they enter our home without even a thought.

Above all else, we want Elle to know that Christmas is SO much more than the presents, the gingerbread houses, and sitting on Santa's lap.

Although all of those things are wonderful,

{and we fully intend to make them a part of her Christmas},

we want her to celebrate not these things, but the birth of her Savior.

It is so important that we, as a family, not get wrapped up in all of the excess; but know - truly know- that this season is ALL about Him!

{and enjoy Him in it!}

To foster a true sense of gratitude and to force us to slow down and reflect on Christmas morning, Michael and I are writing down the things we're grateful for and prayers that have been answered on gift tags.

Into the stocking they go and we'll read them together as a family on Christmas morning.

We're also starting the 4 Gift Rule this year:

. something to wear .

. something you want .

. something you need .

. something to read .

I love its simplicity. And I love the fact that it forces us to truly consider in the weeks and months leading up to Christmas what would truly be meaningful to each person in our family.

Michael and I were so much more intentional in giving each other gifts this year and hope that in the years to come it helps us to know and listen to our little ones just a little bit closer.