Making Christmas Unforgettable
If You Desire a Different Christmas, Then Do Something Different
Christmas didn’t become an extremely special day in our home by accident.
It became sacred because we decided it would be.
Over the years, we realized something important: if we allowed culture to define Christmas for us, we would always feel rushed, distracted, and overwhelmed. So we made a decision—to move Christmas, reshape it, and reclaim it.
That decision changed everything.
When Christmas Moved, Meaning Showed Up
In our home, Christmas doesn’t start on the 25th. It starts on the 23rd.
That’s the day the kids—grown or not—come over and spend the night. It’s not optional. It’s not negotiable. That day is sacred. No one plans anything else. Everyone knows it.
We gather early.
We discuss the history and origin of Christmas.
We turn the lights down and light candles.
We pray.
We take communion together.
Then—just one gift is opened.
That tradition started when Tamia was a baby and has stayed with us ever since. What began as a small moment became a marker in our family story.
And now?
Everyone expects it.
Torey Jr. talks about everyone coming over.
Skylar asks if the Christmas pajamas have been ordered.
Tamia—now grown—still knows exactly how this night will unfold.
What’s powerful is this: these traditions were happening before some of them were even born. They didn’t inherit chaos. They inherited meaning.
Christmas Beyond a Building
It’s unfortunate that most people only experience Christmas inside a church building.
But Christmas was never meant to stay there.
You can take Christmas into your home.
You can read the story around your own table.
You can light a candle.
You can pray.
You can create a moment where God is included.
That’s what we mean by making Christmas a special moment.
Faith doesn’t disappear when you leave the building. Christmas doesn’t either.
Why We Gave Christmas a Different Day
Years ago, close friends told us something that changed our thinking. Because of their work, they could never be home on December 25th. So they planned Christmas on a different day—intentionally.
When they said that, it felt like freedom.
Who says Christmas can only be celebrated once a year?
Who says Jesus can only be honored on one date?
So we gave Christmas a new day—and it became better, not lesser.
Now Christmas is a season, not a one-day event.
A season we look forward to and enjoy, rather than one we dread.
A season we plan for instead of react to.
The Accidental Traditions
Some of the best traditions weren’t planned at all.
Because we celebrate Christmas a day early, we actually have the opportunity to see Santa come through the neighborhood—riding on a fire truck. Every year, without fail, we hear it, run outside, and watch.
Cold or not. This reminds me of the order we have set, first Jesus, then everything else.
Those are the moments we all remember.
Not the gifts.
Not the schedule.
The moments.
Tradition + Truth = Sacred
“Tradition without truth is just a habit.
But when you attach meaning to it, it becomes sacred.” – Pamela Clark
Sacred means uncommon.
Set apart.
Unlike any other day.
That’s why Christmas in our home isn’t flexible.
That’s why the 23rd is protected.
That’s why everyone knows it matters.
And what’s funny is—even our friends know it.
We get texts that say,
“Happy Clark Christmas Eve.”
“Merry Clark Christmas.”
Because they know this is how we live it.
The Challenge
So here’s the invitation this Christmas:
Take Christmas outside the church.
Create a moment.
Light a candle.
Read the story.
Say a prayer.
Have communion.
Pause long enough to remember why this season exists. Place Jesus (Christ) back at the center. It is CHRISTmas by the way!
And then—take pictures.
Make memories.
Because no one else can make Christmas meaningful for your family but you.
Here’s a special treat we hope you will enjoy. Our Beyond-the-Church Christmas Episode is live today. We share a conversation that is honest, real, funny, reflective, and full of ideas you may want to borrow.
Because Christmas was never meant to be common. It was meant to be much more.
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