Growing up, Christmas routine was generally the same, and it became a cherished tradition for me:
Christmas Eve, we would go to my Grandparents' house and have punch, cookies, and presents! We had gift exchange for my whole mom's side of the family that night.
The next morning, my brother and parents had Christmas morning with Santa's visit. Later we would visit my dad's side of the family at my other Grandmother's.
Finally back to my mom's parents for Christmas dinner with aunts and uncles.
This tradition is cherished to me because it endured my parents' divorce and was a light at the end of the tunnel of a very challenging childhood. Grandparents and extended family helped carry the burdens of growning up. It was also consistent because for the most part, both parents' extended families all lived in town. This tradition extended as far back as I remember, with an occasional exception here and there, through my first above mentioned Grandmother's passing in 1999.
The most memorable and best part was Christmas Eve. That was the climax. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, food, toys and other presents for all, and knowing that this was done last year and would be done this year, no matter what family life and the torture of John Wood Elementary School and Aylesworth Middle School would throw my way.
Nowadays, remnants of the past are incorporated into the best of the present. This past Sunday my Mom, brother, and one uncle and his family came back and we had "Christmas Eve." This Christmas Eve at my wife's parents. Christmas at our house. Worshipping Jesus, the Reason for the Season this past Sunday. My prayer is that my family, wife children, and I will someday look back upon these years just as fondly.
As Christmas routines change as time demands they will, we all ought to strive to be blessings to one another. This truly is the most wonderful time of the year. | 
