Christmas Eve Gift

Granddaddy, brother Mark, and me
Christmas 1958

"So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter." (2 Thessalonians 2:15)

My phone dinged at 5:30 this morning - a text from our youngest saying: "Christmas Eve Gift!"

I thought my granddaddy started the tradition, but actually the Christmas-Eve-Gift exclamation can be traced back to the 1800s in the southern United States. The person being told "Christmas Eve Gift!" is expected to give the person saying it a small gift - traditionally candy or nuts.

Whatever your traditions, beloved, may the Lord bless you and yours with a very merry Christmas. 

Christmas Eve Gift!!! J