Christmas traditions have changed over the years in our family. We used to go to the Blue Mountains and cut down a tree to bring home and decorate inside the house.

Then, for many years, we had a fake tree.

For the last few years, since our children are grown and on their own, we’ve decided to put the Christmas tree outside.

Doug anchors a 10 foot tree outside and strings colorful lights around it.

We can see it through the house window. It’s especially beautiful with a whiff of snow muting the colorful lights.

Our traditions, or habits, may have changed, but the joy of celebrating Christ remains.

Here are a few verses from the poem, Christmas Morn, written by Mary Baker Eddy:

 “Dear Christ, forever here and near,

No cradle song,

No natal hour and mother’s tear.

To thee belong.

Thou God idea, Life encrowned,

The Bethlehem babe,

Beloved, replete, by flesh embound was but thy shade,

Thou gentle beam of living Love,

And, deathless Life!

Truth infinite,

so far above

All thee belong”