Traditions build family unity. They don't have to be elaborate or steeped in centuries of family history. All they have to be is consistently practiced and understood by your family. Consistent so that the tradition can be remembered. Understood so they can be appreciated. I am sure all our families had traditions tied to the holidays. Many families have a set tradition for picking out and decorating the Christmas tree. Others have specific treats that have to be served at holiday meals.
For me there is one event that I have come to appreciate more with each year as a Christmas tradition. My entire life my family has attended Trinity United Methodist Church. The one right at the corner of Lake and Wilmette Ave., commonly referred to as the "Home Alone" church. My parents served on the board of trustees. My siblings and I were all confirmed there. At some point, all five of us have served as ushers at Sunday services. Being an usher isn't a tradition, it's more of a routine.
The tradition comes on Christmas Eve.
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Every year on Christmas Eve Trinity holds a 10:30 p.m. evening service complete with gospel goodness and holiday hymnal merriment. And at the close of the service, minutes before midnight, the lights of the sanctuary are dimmed and the congregation are given lit candles to hold up while singing "Silent Night." For the last decade, or so I have been one of the ushers walking the center aisle and lighting the candles of those in attendance. It is my most treasured Christmas tradition. Every year I stand shoulder to shoulder with my father and brother at the very back of the church and watch in silence as the light from hundreds of dim fires flicker and fill the sanctuary. Then, as the pastor says his closing prayer, I turn and open the great wooden doors of the church out into the bitter clean cold of a new Christmas day. There is something magical in that first sharp breath I take as I look out onto the perfectly still center of our town. Then, and only then, is it truly Christmas for me.
It is the tradition that allows me to connect with the season, as well as with my family whom with a share the experience with. It is our traditions that can strengthen the bond we have with our families. I hope that as you go forth raising your children, you take time to create and preserve your own family traditions.
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Sadly this will be the last year I am able to be on hand for the Trinity Christmas Eve service. This will be the last year I carefully light the candles of all those sitting in pews near midnight. This will be the last year I'll turn and open those great wooden doors to the beautiful winter of a Wilmette Christmas night. So if you and yours aren't busy, come out on Dec. 24 and take in the show. If you like it, you can make it a tradition. And if you're interested in being one of the proud ushers responsible for lighting those little candles right before the final hymn, there is going to be a couple openings for next year. And if you notice a far off look in the eyes of the bearded man holding the door for you as you exit, pay him no mind, he's just taking in the moment.
