New Traditions
One thing that makes writing a personal blog difficult is because it's so, well, personal. In November of 2016, my husband and I converted to the Orthodox Christian faith from Protestant backgrounds. It just so happens that we are smack dab in the middle of the Bible Belt, but many in this region are unfamiliar with the church, what it stands for and its teachings. Why am I telling you all of this? This post isn't about converting. This post is about establishing traditions that matter to your family and friends. The Orthodox Church is not only steeped in history. It is also steeped in layers upon layers of tradition. One of these traditions is the annual visit from Saint Nicholas on his feast day, December 6.
Saint Nicholas was an incredible man who dedicated his life to helping the poor. This description of him does not do him justice. I encourage you to research him more in depth. The tradition of the church is that on the eve of St. Nicholas' Feast Day (December 5), you place your shoes or stockings by the door. When St. Nicholas visits, he will place trinkets and gold coins (The JuJuBe received chocolate gold coins) inside them.
This is our first year together as our own family. Establishing new traditions is so important to us as new parents. This tradition is fun, inexpensive, and is a great way to teach The JuJuBe about a man who dedicated his life to giving and helping those in need. This year, as a 7.5 month old, the lesson and tradition is a little lost on her to say the least, but hey- you've got to start somewhere!
For those of you who do not celebrate Saint Nicholas in this way, there are so many other fun traditions to start with your little ones, your friends or your work place. I have a friend who, starting on December 1, wraps up 24 books and if her daughter does a good deed for the day, she unwraps one book per day and gets to read it. I know others who do the reverse Advent box: each day, they place one unused pantry item in a box and on Christmas Day, they take it to their local food bank. Also, my sister (veterinarian to the stars) and others at her vet clinic make Christmas Angel Pets. The clinic asks for their clients to donate items on the wish lists. Then, these items get donated to the local animal shelters. All of these are terrific ideas to get you started with your own tradition. All you have to do is decide which ones work for you.
Thank you again, friends, for stopping by. What traditions do you and your family do that are unique? What traditions are you thinking of adopting for the future? There are so many fun ones out there and I have no doubt that these Penny Pinching Parents will adopt a few more. See you next time!
Saint Nicholas
Saint Nicholas was an incredible man who dedicated his life to helping the poor. This description of him does not do him justice. I encourage you to research him more in depth. The tradition of the church is that on the eve of St. Nicholas' Feast Day (December 5), you place your shoes or stockings by the door. When St. Nicholas visits, he will place trinkets and gold coins (The JuJuBe received chocolate gold coins) inside them.
This is our first year together as our own family. Establishing new traditions is so important to us as new parents. This tradition is fun, inexpensive, and is a great way to teach The JuJuBe about a man who dedicated his life to giving and helping those in need. This year, as a 7.5 month old, the lesson and tradition is a little lost on her to say the least, but hey- you've got to start somewhere!
The JuJuBe inspects her gold coins from Saint Nicholas.
For those of you who do not celebrate Saint Nicholas in this way, there are so many other fun traditions to start with your little ones, your friends or your work place. I have a friend who, starting on December 1, wraps up 24 books and if her daughter does a good deed for the day, she unwraps one book per day and gets to read it. I know others who do the reverse Advent box: each day, they place one unused pantry item in a box and on Christmas Day, they take it to their local food bank. Also, my sister (veterinarian to the stars) and others at her vet clinic make Christmas Angel Pets. The clinic asks for their clients to donate items on the wish lists. Then, these items get donated to the local animal shelters. All of these are terrific ideas to get you started with your own tradition. All you have to do is decide which ones work for you.
Thank you again, friends, for stopping by. What traditions do you and your family do that are unique? What traditions are you thinking of adopting for the future? There are so many fun ones out there and I have no doubt that these Penny Pinching Parents will adopt a few more. See you next time!
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