Making traditions is tough.
I gathered the chalk. I changed the candle from our nubbin of a purple to a white candle for epiphany. I read about blessing a house. I gathered the tired kids. The kids were excited about going outside. Sara had her coat on right away. She was sad about not finding a flashlight. I pointed out our Thomas the train flashlight. Scuffling ensued. There were tears.
I darkened the lights and let We Three Kings play in the background. Sara helped me light the white candle. We read the story of the wisemen. Scuffling ensued over the camel. The wisemen returned to the nativity scene. The baby Jesus got the gifts. There was was a scuffle to see who could blow out the candle first.
We got coats. There was discussion about how cold is was. There was discussion about where chalk could go. Scuffling ensued over the chalk. Sara wrote “CMB”…christ bless this home. Then we drew lots of stars and a cross.
We celebrated a holiday that did not involve candy or hearts. Scuffling ensued, but it was good.
And then I put tired children to bed.