And in the evenings all the children in my village would take off their shoes and stockings and run barefoot through the snow. Then, when we came in, our mothers would have a bedtime snack of hot cocoa and cookies waiting for us by the fire.

I loved the stories my grandmother told my sisters and me of her Christmases in the old country. Grandma recounted tales of St. Nikolaus and Weihnachtsmann making home visits on snowy nights to bring treats and goodies for good little girls and boys, and of old dolls that vanished in early December only to reappear under the candlelit Christmas tree on Christmas Day with new dresses, hats, gloves, and a fresh hairstyle.

Mixing Christmas Past With Christmas Present 

Grandma Hilda had a gift for weaving her memories of Christmas past with our Christmas present. She was able to share her joy of the good old days while allowing us to make her beautiful memories part of our own Christmas present experience. 

At times, as adults, we look back longingly into the past and wish things could be now as they were then. It can seem as if everything, toys, music, cookies, even Christmas, was better then. But when we constantly live in Christmas past, we forget there are little people living in Christmas present. Don’t let longing and nostalgia for the people you miss and the joy you had rob you of celebrating and creating this same joy for the next generation. Our children and grandchildren need us to hand down to them the truth of God’s greatest Gift of Christmas, the Christ Child, and our family legends and stories of Yule Tides of yore.

When I approach Christmas with anticipation, I give my grandchildren the same kind of childhood and holiday memories that I had – filled with older generations who loved and cared for me year after year. 

It’s Our Turn

So, now it’s my turn and it’s your turn. Let’s share our memories of the bygone days of Christmas when our little ones ask, but be ready to make beautiful memories with them in Christmas present.  Bake cookies, tell stories, run in the snow, celebrate Jesus. Make an effort to be part of their Christmas present so we can be a part of their Christmas past they will share with their children and grandchildren.

“Remember the days of old. Consider the years of many generations. Ask your father, and he will show you; your elders, and they will tell you.” Deut 32:7 WEBP

And if you have time in the busyness of the season, share with us your ideas of how you’ll celebrate Christmas past and present with your little ones.

Merry Christmas!

PS: This year I did try one of my grandmother’s traditions. I ran barefoot in the snow! I love you, Grandma!