On the first day of December, my kids opened their advent calendars! I watched as their faces lit up with excitement while they opened their chocolates with delight, even though they are not so little anymore.
Advent calendars is one family Christmas tradition that we have adopted in our home. It’s a beautiful way to build anticipation for Christmas, but it’s such a contrast to how I grew up celebrating in Nigeria.
Back home, Christmas wasn’t about counting down the days—it was all about the big day! Yes, the cutting of carrots and vegetables for the Nigerian salad and the prepping of the ingredients for the jollof rice the night before.
On the big day, waking up to the aroma of jollof rice and chicken wafting through the air. The highlight of the day was the excitement of wearing my carefully chosen Aba fabric tailored “Christmas dress” to church and the joy of spending the day with family, sharing meals and laughter.
My childhood Christmas had no chocolates tucked in advent calenders, just the warmth of tradition and togetherness.
Now, as a Nigerian-British parent, it’s such a privilege to blend these two worlds. My children get to enjoy the fun of advent calendars, but they’ll also grow up knowing about “Christmas rice,” the beauty of family gatherings, and the essence of celebrating Jesus’ birth in a way that honours both our heritage and our faith.
Here are some family Christmas traditions you can start at home that blend faith, family, and culture.
- Advent daily Bible reading
- Advent Daily Acts of Kindness Calendar (a substitute for advent chocolates)
- Volunteer in your local church to feed the homeless or vulnerable.
- Volunteer as a family to help the vulnerable
- Create a Christmas playlist to enjoy as a family
- Decorate the Christmas tree together
- Start a family Christmas Secret Santa tradition
- Attend Christmas Carol in church
What’s one Christmas tradition from your childhood that you’ve carried on or adapted in your family? Let’s share!
