The Tradition of the Christmas Quilt

I just had to share one of our favorite Christmas gifts this year!  John and I had been having a hard time thinking of new traditions to start with our little family and now we have a special quilt to get us started. It didn't take us long to start  the tradition of napping with the Christmas quilt. Thank you, John and Arlene. We love you and miss you. Arlene you are a talented quilter and poet! Here is the poem Arlene wrote:

Our gift to you this Christmas

you will need next December one,

to begin a new family tradition

that creates some holiday fun.

You’ll unpack the Quilt with decorations

when you decorate for Christmas each year,

make a spot in your house you can place it

then it’s magic begins— do not fear .

Now twelve days before each Christmas—

which days it matters not—

gather your family on this “Christmas Quilt”

make sure each one has a spot.

Each night you’ll do something different

but remember to change through the years,

depending on the age of the children

for the memories I know they’ll hold dear.

Here’s some ideas I believe might help you

as you plan for the next Christmas year,

on the quilt sing a song , poem, story 

or a movie to bring Christmas Cheer.

One night you might have a Christmas picnic;

on this quilt with your family around.

One night share some Christmas cookies

sing carols to see how you sound.

The most important thing to remember

as the memories of each year seem to grow,

bring the fun and excitement of Christmas-

the true meaning of Christmas they’ll know.

One night you might focus on talent

let the quilt be a stage they’ll stand on,

each child will feel they’re important   

as you end with a prayer and a song.

You might let each child each take a turn

to sleep with the quilt in the night,

for there is nothing like a warm soft blanket

to have for your own wrapped up tight

There’s only one thing that I ask you

to do on the quilt Christmas Eve,

take turns and share your feelings

of our Savior and why you believe.

This “Christmas Quilt” is our gift we give

but it’s magic is all up to you,

so put it away—take it out the next year

make a plan so you’ll know what to do.

Traditions are magical and important

as each child grows up and goes on,

for they take with them memories of family

they’ll remember this long after your gone.

We Love you mom and dad.