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With all the traditions of man and the church surrounding us, it's interesting to watch and observe which Christians hold to which ideologies. As a large family with young children we often discuss the true meaning of Christmas and the truth of what the Bible says about the birth of Jesus. 

This year we are living tiny in our travel trailer, close to where we used to call home with our tiny tree and our Dollar Tree ornaments. We will eat dinner with my mother and attend a Christmas Eve service, but what does it matter if we let the hustle and bustle of December blend into the rest of life leaving Jesus as yet another afterthought. 

Here is what I desperately try to keep in:

• Little overlooked aspects of the birth of Jesus story
• Scripture
• Advent activities 
• The idea that though we celebrate Jesus's birth in December many scholars believe he was probably born in the spring.
• Watch nativity movies.

What we do for fun but work to not let take away from the truth of Jesus's birth in the gospel:

• Decorate a tree
• Bake cookies
• Drink peppermint coffee and hot chocolate
• Watch movies about Santa 

As a long time Berrien and woman who spent many years deceived by empty philosophies of this world I have struggled with what to let into the Christmas season. With grandparents we've never been able to be completely rid of the commercialism of the holidays. They buy more gifts than we can store, but it's how they show love so we try not to gripe and be ungrateful. 

We don't pretend Santa is real, but we share with the children how fun it is for parents to pretend with their children. We don't let them spoil it for other children. 

We notice some churches have Christmas trees and some don't. Some focus on the Jewish traditions which is lovely. I know families who love Jesus who move the elf every night. We know families who love Jesus who only put out a large nativity to keep the focus on Jesus. 

It's special to celebrate births and lives everyday. This Christmas Season we, here at Cedar Creek Ministries, wish you the most peaceful and gracious time with your family however you choose to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

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This post was written by Nickole Perry, co-founder and Director of Operations at Cedar Creek Ministries. 

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