No Fa la la la la's Here

Katelyn MacIntyre and Alex Tuten singing "Sing Noel".

Susan (me), Katelyn, Alex Tuten and Todd MacIntyre.

It was a worshipful morning, amidst the trappings of Christmas and the beauty of the tables and lighting. It was definitely beginning to look a lot like Christmas. No Deck the Halls or I'll Be Home for Christmas. None of that would compare to the MacIntyre's duet of "The Prayer". It was so moving. So we sang sacred carols and had a great time working up our harmonies together.
Donna Otto was challenging and uplifting. So many wonderful ideas for the family to make new traditions with, or the encouragement to keep on with the traditions of years past. The theme was an Uncommon Feast and it was out of the ordinary to hear about the Israelites in the Old Testament when they were suffering through Pharoah's persecution, trying to escape and the uncommon ways that the Lord provided for them.
What are some uncommon or counter-culture ways you celebrate His birth? Do others know whom you celebrate by your holiday decor? Do you reach out to neighbors? Sometimes it's just easier for me to have a plan for the holidays, how to decorate, what to bake, whom to invite over, what stories to read as a family, and I don't bother to ASK my family! And I come to find out, they have their own sweet traditions we've done in the past that they'd like to do!
So that is how I will start this season. We'll have a family meeting and make a plan that includes everyone's favorite things. I hope you have purpose this season, to make it count for His kingdom. In old ways or new.