“Sometimes the most ordinary things can be made extraordinary, simply by doing them with the right people.” ~ Nicholas Sparks

Christmas week is here. People are traveling. Music is playing. Families are gathering. And, for many, the pause from everyday routine opens the door to special yearly routines. Those of Christmas traditions.

In our house the goodies have been made and our Storybook Bible Advent time is nearing an end, but on Christmas Eve we will go to church as a family and, afterwards, gather together with all here from my husband’s family and mine. We’ll eat. Talk. Laugh. Maybe hang in a photo booth if this year is anything like last’s… :) To have families who love not only us but each other makes for a highly anticipated gathering each year.

On Christmas morning the kids have created a tradition of their own, waking us with jumps on the foot of our bed screaming, “It’s Christmas! It’s Christmas!” No need for an alarm :) From there, we’ll walk to the living room in our PJs - our hair all awry - and we’ll pass presents. But, before anyone opens, the girls will read the Christmas story from the Bible. Later in the day we’ll all make a birthday cake for Jesus.

And our hearts will be full.

What traditions do you and your loved ones hold at Christmas?