LANSING, Mich. — Many churches have put holiday traditions on hold this year, but Ashley Sampson found people are finding creative ways to keep the spirit of the season alive.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, well kind of. Cities across the USA still may be trying to "decking the halls" but a COVID Christmas just looks and feels different.
For people of faith, a season full of worship and togetherness will be missed. "They do feel isolated" Glenroy Watson is a Bishop over a congregation of about 100 families. "we'd eat dinner, we'd hang out and have a Christmas presentation this year, religious celebrations will need to be held at home, but he had an idea.
Watson, "just hoping that everyone will one, learn a little bit more about each or one another and two just continue to feel united. He's asked all families in his congregation to make a home video about their traditions or fond holiday memories to share with each other.
Watson: "it will be kind of like a mini movie. First, the Cordero family, where Christmas jammies are a must!
Denise Cordero: " for our Christmas tradition what we do is we read the story of Jesus Christ. "That is an angel. that's an angel I know but the wise men saw the star. "ohhhh"
Playing Christmas hymns for everyone is something Verlynn Brink will miss most. "This is one of my favorite memories of Christmas. I had one of my favorite memories of Christmas in France."
This night, she plays for an audience of one "um it's been a challenge but I've tried to make a point every day to call somebody. She's looking forward to the virtual viewing party in the days ahead.
"Alright, you guys ready? Alright, we're the McQuires. Drew Mcguire shared that "with this year being a little bit different we have started some new traditions, including a little communication with the north pole for the kids.
This family says they miss meeting with their church family more than ever. Drew McGuire continues "especially this year…I feel like a lot of people have struggle with things and there hasn't been a lot to feel hopeful about these days, but they hope the family video they're making will brighten anothers day.
So that's everything from us "Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas"
As the videos come pouring in to Glenroy Watson, it's his families turn. "Ready? We're the Watson family and ok start overok, let's try that again..I like the shining star"
So, even if these families Christmas celebrations will take place on a living room couch instead of a church pew the message is the same, "Merry Christmas. we love you!"
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