My grandmother’s home possessed a magical appeal during the holidays. A live fir adorned the living room with antique ornaments and glittering tinsel. Strings of bubble lights draped the tree, granting an illusion of liquified fire flickering within glowing candles.

The bubble lights possessed a dark side. The candles grew hot to the touch, threatening to turn dry limbs into flashfire tinder. Shattered globes inflicted razor-sharp cuts. The ornaments contained methylene chloride, a toxic liquid if ingested, inhaled, or touched. The lights diminished in popularity during the 1970s, replaced by safer “fairy bulbs.”

Several years ago, a coworker found a novelty bubble light online. It plugged into an outlet and bubbled after a few minutes. I expressed my admiration of the ornament, and my personal Christmas light appeared at the church a few days later.

The ornament holds a year-round place of honor in my office. It highlights a collection of manger scenes that surround it. It bubbles constantly during the holidays, but I randomly turn it on throughout the year.

The bubble light invokes the Christmas spirit in my soul. It reminds me of an innocent age when I thought my grandmother’s home bordered the North Pole. The mélange of holiday memories makes me smile as I recall absent family.

I pray that you experience the holidays as Holy Days during this season of childlike wonder. If you need some help, then drop by the church and bask in the nostalgic glow of my bubble light.

My childhood, holiday traditions included watching three MUST-SEE specials on primetime TV: A Charlie Brown Christmas, Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. They aired only once during December, and I carefully noted the dates and times.

IM always HO, the mid-1960s represented the Golden Age of Christmas TV specials. Computer-generated images cannot compete with traditional animation or stop-motion photography.

But.

The Grand Miss Haisley has introduced me to a new generation of holiday specials. Note I said “holiday” and not “Christmas.” Even Charles Schulz would not get away with reciting Luke’s Christmas story on prime-time TV today. Nevertheless, I actually like some of the newer shows.

Our granddaughter and I agree that Olaf’s Frozen Adventure tops the list. The cast of Frozen reunited for the holiday adventure. Olaf the Snowman discovers various families’ traditions associated with Christmas, Hanukah, and the Winter Solstice. The show culminates with a Disney-they-lived-happily-ever-after ending.

The animated special emphases the importance of traditions. Rituals shape identity, meaning, and purpose. They inform who we are in relationship with others. Seemingly insignificant customs contain great import. The rites often begin with little intention but become part of a family’s legacy.

Parents and grandparents recognize they are making memories with their children and grandchildren. Investments of time result in priceless returns. Some day our children will share family traditions with their children in turn.

The Bible implores parents to raise up children in the way they should go. Therefore, I have introduced Haisley to some old friends, including Charlie Brown, Rudolph, and Cindy Lou Who.  I have met Olaf, Anna, and Elsa through her in turn.  

This Christmas keep some traditions and make some memories. They last a lifetime and beyond.