The tradition of the straws

We have several traditions in our home like most families. I love getting the whole family together and looking for ways to celebrate the birth of our Savior. This year we decided to start a new one. I had actually wanted to start last year but we never got around to it. My mother had given me a book called The Last Straw by Paula Palangi Mcdonald. The inside cover says,

A baby. A manager. A handful of straw. The makings of the first Christmas. The makings of the first Christmas can now be a meaningful part of your Christmas. To spread Christ's love and fill the enclosed manager with straw, simply do something kind for someone--in secret--and add one straw to the manger for each act of love. Soon the manager, and your hearts, will be overflowing and ready for the coming Christ.

The Last straw is the touching story of a family who faithfully used the tradition of the straws to bring the true meaning of Christmas back to their hearts, year after year...The Last Straw is a true story which you can incorporate into your Christmas. It's easy. Even children as young as 3 can understand giving in secret and participate enthusiastically. The last straw offers a way to bring back the true spirit and meaning of Christmas..

We read the book together as a family a few weeks ago. It was about a family with 4 children who were always fighting. The mom finally got so frustrated with all the bickering and name calling that she came up with the idea for the straws. Anna and Ryan were able to relate to the story line. By the end of the book our kids were so excited to do kind things for each other in secret...and to be able to put a piece of straw in our manager every time they did. After a few days I started noticing that the manger was slowly filling up. What a joy it was to see them running around trying to surprise each other. It is my prayer that our kids will learn through this about loving one another. After all that is the reason why we do all these things...to teach little hearts.

Just 2 more days to finish filling the manager. I can't wait to see how we reach the last straw...

I would love to hear, what are some of your family traditions?