I am sure the majority of us could also say the same thing about our mother’s that Abraham Lincoln did of his when he penned: “All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” For me personally, I can say the same thing about my angel father. All that I have become and accomplished is certainly in large part a result of my incredible parents; and the person I am trying to become – and that I also hope my children will emulate – are the two wonderful people who brought me into the world and provided me all that I have and am.
Below are listed 10 fun and meaningful traditions and activities that are sure to be enjoyed by any mother or father on their one day off during the year. (more…)
There are certain holidays within our culture that we generally take time to recognize, reverence, and reflect upon the significance of the day or event we are celebrating. Unfortunately, there are also other holidays that the majority of people within our culture view as just a day off work and a perfect opportunity to have a BBQ. Let’s be honest, nobody is opposed to having a day off work, and I’ll be the first to admit that having a BBQ with family and friends is enjoyable; however, let us also ensure that on these two holiday’s, we never forget, under-appreciate, or take for granted those men and women who sacrificed and even gave their lives for our freedoms and opportunities.
What is it about America’s Independence Day that makes this holiday so sacred and significant to each of us? Is it the parades, fireworks, festivities, or commemorations? Is it the remembrance of honorable founding fathers who had the courage to stand up for and even fight for liberty? Or is it the appreciation of the countless thousands who have sacrificed and given their lives to preserve the very liberty and freedoms this country was founded on and still enjoys? Certainly it is all of these and more. However, perhaps even more important than anything mentioned above, what makes this holiday so loved and appreciated, anticipated and planned for, and sacred and significant to us all is the simple fact that July 4th serves as a day to remember, appreciate, and surround ourselves with what and who is most important in life – family! 
Many people unfortunately choose not to participate in this fun holiday simply because of the somewhat strange, evil, and even unhealthy activities and traditions associated with this holiday. Truthfully, they have every right to think this way, because let’s be honest – Halloween is just weird! At the same time, like everything in life, we have a choice to be dictated by circumstance or to create it ourselves. In other words, we can choose to focus on the negative aspects of this holiday and thus not participate; or, we can simply choose to focus on the fact that this holiday also provides a wonderful opportunity to have some good clean fun, spend time with family and friends, take opportunities to serve others, and justify the excessive eating of candy and sugar. Why would anyone complain about that?
Isn’t it interesting how the meaning, significance, and celebration of holidays change for each of us over time. For example, Valentine’s Day begins as a fun day where kids make cards and give heart shaped candies to classmates. It then transforms into a day where teenagers have ‘crushes’ and buy roses for someone special. And eventually, it becomes a day where couples become unselfish and say and do things for their significant other. Undoubtedly, Valentine’s Day is one of the best holidays because it helps us all think of and do things for those we love and appreciate. If only our words and actions demonstrated on this day could translate into every day! But, even if for a day, this holiday allows us the opportunity to more fully possess and demonstrate the very attribute and characteristic that defines the purpose of our existence, the solution to every problem, and the foundation of personal happiness – love! And never forget that love is much more than a thought, feeling, or word; love is an action initiated by perhaps the other great attribute we all must develop – unselfishness! 
What is Easter, and what are we celebrating on this holiday? As the first syllable of the very word ‘holiday’ suggests – it is a Holy day. Is there anything necessarily wrong with painting eggs, Easter egg hunts, bunnies, or chocolate? Absolutely not! In fact, such activities often accomplish the very goal of Who it is we celebrate and recognize on this Holy day – the goal of being with and strengthening family relationships. However, much like the majority of holidays, it is certainly easy to get caught up in the commercialization and symbolism of the celebration and forget why, what, and Who the symbols were originally intended to represent. Should Easter be fun? Of course! Should we color eggs, hide candy, and eat a lot of chocolate? Absolutely! But should we not also ensure that it is a Holy day where we think of, learn about, and seek to follow the very Symbol of this Holy day – the Savior Himself. He is the purpose of the holiday, hence the reason it must also be a Holy day.
One of the greatest challenges about this wonderful holiday is not preparing an incredible meal, consuming an excessive amount of turkey or pie, or even in trying not to groan after the fourth plate of food … the real challenge lies in both expressing and living with gratitude every day of the year. Anne Frank, one who perhaps had the least to be grateful for, said it perfectly when she declared: “I do not think of all the misery, but of the glory that remains. Go outside into the fields, nature and the sun, go out and seek happiness in yourself and in God. Think of the beauty that again and again discharges itself within and without you and be happy.”
Christmas is not about the presents under the tree, the decorations and the lights, the concerts or the fancy meals. It’s not about shopping, snow, caroling, or Santa Clause. True Christmas is found in the first syllable of the very word itself, who is all too often forgotten. Christmas is about Christ! And while all of the festivities, traditions, and activities that accompany this holiday are certainly appropriate and extremely fun, we must ensure that we never forget the significance of why we celebrate in the first place. And perhaps true Christmas is discovered, enjoyed, and made evident only when our actions reflect the actions and character of Him whose birth we commemorate. He loved His lambs, He fed His lambs, and He continues to feed His lambs; our great opportunity is to allow Him to feed His lambs through the service and giving of you and me. 
