One of our most cherished Christmas traditions started as soon as the children were old enough to unwrap presents. On Christmas morning, once the time arrives to open presents, all the presents are handed out to each recipient. Then, as a show of honor and respect, we all take turns opening presents. One at the time, slowly, presents finally begin revealing their secrets.
One person at the time opens, and that person opens only one gift. Other gifts will have to await another turn. As the one person opens a present, every other person in the room is required to sit and watch and show interest as that parent or sibling opens their gift. Each is to show a response of rejoicing with their sibling, expressing happiness for what their family member has received. There is a moment for everyone to examine the opened gift, allowing the recipient attention from the family and enough time to enjoy their special moment. This process continues around and around the room until all the presents have finally divulged their secrets.
This tradition has provided us the most delicious of memories. There have been Christmas mornings when I have savored the sweetness of love among siblings for hours before all the presents were opened. And I did not miss even one opening of the gifts that I had so lovingly wrapped, nor did I miss even one gleaming face as my children finally learned of their surprises. Even in all the scurry and excitement, the morning is as peaceful and joyful as Christ Himself.
The greatest surprise for me was that this tradition did not foster jealousy among the children. To the contrary, this requirement really proved to build up character in our children as they learned to honor and respect those around them.
Now that our children are older, they understand rejoicing with others rejoicing, and patiently allow others around them to gain attention without interfering. For me the greatest gift has been seeing my children exhibit the gifts of the Spirit on these precious Christmas mornings, and all throughout the following years. This tradition enhances their maturity in Christ, as they grow more and more into the image of the Savior.
Other Christmas Traditions
