Esquivel Family Christmas Traditions

Tradition #1
About six years ago I had a friend share a wonderful idea with me about Christmas presents and I'd like to pass it on. She shared with me that for Christmas each year her and her husband would give their children three gifts each. I was very attentive because this friend has four kids like us and they have two boys as well as two girls, you guessed it, just like us;). As many of you may know when you have girls you tend to find more stuff for them then you do boys. So what happens is as you purchase more items for your girls it turns into just needing to find more stuff for the boys to make it even. This was stressful, and not to mention totally getting away and losing sight of the what and the why of Christmas. Well this friend helped put Jesus back into my gift giving.
So long story short;)...here goes!
Based on the wise men that visited Jesus bearing three fine gifts to offer Jesus in order to worship Him, we as parents purchase three gifts for each child to help their hearts and our hearts be focused on worshipping Jesus and the message of Christmas.

1st gift is based on Gold. The gift of gold was often reserved for royalty. The importance of the gift was that it represented the fact that Jesus was royal. This represents a fun gift. Buy something that's just that, fun! Games, toys, video game, movie, scooter, bike, etc.

2nd gift is based on Frankincense. When frankincense is burned it gives off a sweet smelling white smoke. The smoke rising from the altar of incense represented the prayers of the people rising to God in heaven. The only use of frankincense for the Jews was at the altar and it was reserved for the worship of God. This represents a spiritual gift. Buy something that will help your child grow in this way. A new bible, a devotion, an instrument, a journal, Phil Wickham concert tickets;), etc.

3rd gift is based on Myrrh. Myrrh was placed on the cloths used to wrap bodies for burial to help prevent the smell of decay following death. The Magi presented this gift to Jesus as a representation that He would one day die. The gift convey's the fact that Jesus was born to die. This represents a practical gift. Buy something that is useful. Shoes, clothes, pj's, cologne or perfume, etc.

So you buy one gift for each category and on Christmas morning each child, after opening their gift, says which category they think it is. I love this because when they're younger they really have to think about it and they have fun guessing. Before Christmas discuss with your children the new way to give gifts to prepare them and get them thinking. Explain the meanings of the gifts to help them understand. If your children are used to opening gift after gift this may be a big adjustment but believe me you will wish you started this sooner because of the fruit that will come out of it.

Tradition #2
Start Christmas morning off by reading the account of Jesus' birth in Luke 2 as a family before opening gifts.
Tradition #3
Alphabetize your Christmas cards you receive when it's time to clean them up and keep them in a basket or put them in a scrapbook. Each week throughout the year pray for the families. Assign each person in your family one of the families to pray for. This is a great way to teach your kids to pray for others at an early age! Keep them out in the open or you'll forget, trust me on that;).
Tradition #4
Plan a baking day with someone special baking goodies to give to others. My girls bake all day with Grandma Chasey (my mom). We all make tamales with Lita ( Francel's mom).

Start something new this year that will help your family focus in on JESUS!

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15