Singing. But then, that tradition has been lost. In ages past, if you wanted to hear music, you, or someone with you had to create it. With the advent of the recording industry, singing Christmas carols has gone the way of the dinosaur. There is no comparison between being in the presence of truly gifted voices, and an electric box.

Since any human flaws can be polished with computers, it’s hard to appreciate flawless human performances on Memorex. But it’s hard not to be awestruck when you’re in the presence of a group of people who harmonize seamlessly. And if you’re fortunate enough to be one of the group, there’s a whole different dimension of joy in being a part of the beauty.

Singing along with the radio just doesn’t produce the same euphoria.

Fortunately, churches still provide one of the last venues available for people of all ages to unite in voice. Especially during the holiday season, the traditional hymns and carols give you a chance to experience the same songs, in the same way, that generations before us enjoyed. It’s a link to the past.

That’s not the right reason to go to church, but it’s not a bad reason.

Another lost tradition is going to dad’s house on Christmas Eve to assemble and wrap all the presents I’d hidden there for my wife and kids. They’re notorious snoops and spoilers, so it was a necessary security measure. My brother would come over, and the 3 of us would argue politics and hoist exotic nectars long into the night.

That tradition made it really hard for me to get up early Christmas morning and watch the kids undo all the work from the night before, so maybe it’s better bygone. I know my wife doesn’t miss it. My dad’s in nursing care now.

So, of the traditions that remain, spectating the unwrapping has to tie with the gathering of extended family. You relive your childhood vicariously when you watch your kids open their gifts. Nostalgia also looms when you gather with those who shared your childhood with you.

So the best holiday tradition is interacting with the ones you love. That’s what the One Who is the object of Christmas came here and did.

Mike VanOuse

Lafayette