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Christmas Traditions: Families
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Gift giving is probably the most well known of all Christmas traditions in both Eastern and Western cultures. Moms and Dads have the opportunity to share with their children important truths about giving during their family’s Christmas celebration. While a good deal of focus will be placed upon purchasing safe, fun, and educational children’s toys, parents may ... take this time to let children experience the joy of giving to others.
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Many Ukrainian families and many Ukrainian churches continue to observe the old traditional date of Ukrainian Christmas on January 7 despite the pressures of modern society to change. The later date appeals to many people since, after the commercialism of December 25th, it is possible to enjoy a quieter and more religious occasion. For those who leave their shopping for the last minute the big advantage in celebrating Ukrainian Christmas is that the big sales start - just in time for Christmas shopping. - A.G.
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Generally, Christmas is celebrated along traditional lines and families often travel great distances to be together. Church is attended in great mass on Christmas Day. Services are often held very early in the morning.
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You may want to have a family meeting to brainstorm ideas for your new Christmas tradition. Make sure to have a pen and pencil handy to write down everyone’s thoughts. You may want to combine several ideas. For example, if one family member wants to start taking a sleigh rides every Christmas Eve and another wants to go on Christmas light viewing trips, then maybe you can book a sleigh ride that goes through a Christmas lighted area.
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SVIATA VECHERA OR "HOLY SUPPER" is the central tradition of the beautiful Christmas Eve celebrations in Ukrainian homes. The dinner table sometimes has a few wisps of hay on the embroidered table cloth as a reminder of the manger in Bethlehem. Many Canadian and American families wear their Ukrainian embroidered shirts on this occasion.
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When beginning your own traditions, it will help to keep a few things in mind. First, look at traditions you (and your spouse) had when growing up. Make a list of things you would like to continue and mark off those you feel ok about not continuing. Combine the lists and then negotiate together the list of traditions you would like to keep as a new family. Second, discuss traditions you have read or heard about that you would like to try to start. Discuss how they will fit in with older traditions.
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