The psalmists guide us in meshing both deep lament and heartfelt thanksgiving to God, reminding us that, at all times, “he has dealt bountifully with us.”

Even when circumstances overwhelm, Scripture reminds us that gratitude is an intentional choice made possible in Christ—one that brings peace to our hearts.

Intentionally seeking out evidence of God’s grace—in ourselves, our children, and even our circumstances—is a powerful and practical way to battle discouragement in motherhood.

The gospel frees us to share food and fellowship around the table joyfully this holiday season, secure in the ultimate provision of Christ.

Unmet expectations around the holidays remind us of our need for divine rescue and God’s provision in Christ—the true reason for the season.

Scripture helps us cultivate hearts of thanksgiving and worship to God, even through times of trial.

When we see our sin reflected in our children, we have an opportunity to talk to them about their need for grace and God’s power to change us.

Praying before meals reminds us of our need for daily bread—to fill our stomachs and our souls—and points us (and our children) to God who so generously supplies it.

Celebrating abundance can make us feel our lack and loss more deeply. But even in grief, we can give thanks to the Lord.

Maybe it's crafting cute Thanksgiving turkeys with your kids, opening envelopes on your Advent calendar, or making pancakes for birthday mornings—all families have traditions. They range from the simple to the elaborate, the every-so-often to the every-year, the super meaningful to the silly.

Sometimes traditions bring us joy. They help us reorient our hearts toward what we value most, offer us pause in the midst of life's hustle and bustle, and provide consistent signposts to think of God's faithfulness. And sometimes, they're just plain fun.

Other times, traditions cause pressure and guilt. We’re upset when we abandon the Advent calendar, annoyed we forgot to pull out books on time, or frustrated there are now turkeys glued to our tables.

Thankfully, traditions don't earn our good standing before God, measure how well we "did" the holiday season, or guarantee our kids will love Jesus. Instead, traditions are another area the gospel gives us freedom to decide what's best (and most fruitful) for our families. We can light the weekly candle for Advent, or not. We can have an Easter party, or not. We can start a tradition, or stop one.

As long as we’re living by faith in the completed work of Christ, and striving to love others well, we each have freedom for how traditions play out in our own homes.

At R|M, we want to equip you to apply the gospel to every aspect of life by being “gospel thinkers.” Because the gospel changes everything—even our traditions.

So to help you kick off this holiday season with biblical understanding, @emschumacher is explaining how to take what scripture teaches about traditions and apply it to our lives. Think of it as a tool for filtering what traditions you might want to start (or stop) in your own home. Wondering what to do with Santa? How you should engage in Halloween? If the “tooth fairy” should visit? We hope this resource helps you consider how to engage in these (and many other) traditions.

We even added discussion questions so you can talk with your spouse, podcast club, or friends at the playground. (And it has a handy printable!)