Collecting Traditions... or making my own

So this week the world celebrated Christmas.  But I did not.  Every year this day finds me pondering the reasons... and the consequences... of this decision.  I grew up with this celebration; surrounded by family and warmth, in living rooms filled to capacity with laughter, family recipes, gifts, and balls of crumpled up left-over wrapping paper.  These are good things.  Some might question my desire to deprive my children of such moments.  I know a few things for sure.  First, my children are far from deprived.   Second, they know what it means to stand up for a principle you believe in.  I am most proud of this consequence of giving up Christmas.

 Some wonder why I would not celebrate the birth of one I do consider my savior, king, and the reason for my hope in an everlasting future.... I would counter that it is because of my deep respect for this living King that I do not.  I do not believe that celebrating traditions rooted in pagan customs can possibly honor the one who encouraged his closest followers to flee from such influences.  The tree? Gifts? Feasting and parties?  All derive from the ancient Roman tradition of Saturnalia, celebrating the birth of the Sun on the winter solstice around December 21st.  I believe my savior was born in a stable... to humble, poor, Godly parents.... sometime in October.  When I realized these facts, Christmas lost a little of its luster.

What have I gained, and passed on to my children, in the absence of this holiday?  We are able to daily revere a living savior, in his current position at the right hand of his father; to honor the truth of his gifts to mankind and look forward to the eternal blessings yet to be bestowed.  There is no need for me to perpetuate the little white lie that is 'santa claus,' in order to show my love and generosity to my sweet children.  I have shown them, by example, that it is possible to stand for a principle, against the grain, in opposition to popular tradition, and not miss a thing.  With respect to all those who still find value in the crumpled up leftover wrapping paper....we must all find our own truth.  I have found mine.