There are a lot of memories and traditions that have always been a part of my Christmases. Some things have changed over the years, but one thing has always remained a part of my families celebrations: church on Christmas Eve. Since I can remember, my Christmas Eve Service has always been my favorite of the year. There is something about the quiet calm and candlelight that always brought me an opportunity for awe and reflection on the season. Even when I was young and waiting for Santa’s visit (which always came shortly after church), there was something about an a cappella rendition of “Silent Night” that could calm me down. Now that I’m older, I attend my Christmas Eve Service at my United Methodist Church and also the Midnight Mass in town. The music, the candlelight, and the idea of starting Christmas with worship is priceless for me. I still get excited and worked up about Christmas, and the quiet reflection is still really valuable to me. There is a comfort in an ever-changing world that each year I can go to a beautiful service and remember the proverbial “reason for the season.” Some traditions have to change, but this one won’t wherever I am.
