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As we approach Christmas this next week, I'm reminded of the holiday traditions we've kept up for years, while also establishing new ones. They remind me of happy times. Not sure that I "relish" the time it takes to set out the decorations every year, but I always enjoy placing my nutcrackers in their traditional spots. My prized possession is the one I picked up in June of 1985 while in the former East Germany covering the dedication of the LDS Church's Freiberg Temple. We decided to do an additional story in the town of Seiffen, near the border of the Czech Republic. It's known as the Christmas craft capital of Germany where the woodworking dates back to the late 1800's. It's there that I purchased a beautiful little nutcracker hand-painted by the workers in the factory (for less than 10-dollars!). It was fascinating to watch the entire process then actually take one home. I remember that time in Germany fondly each December when I take the aging wooden soldier out of the box. I also love to read our missionary son's letters when he shares some of the new Christmas traditions he's learning about and enjoying (mostly food-related!) as he serves in Scandinavia.
Traditions are such a fun way to enjoy the Christmas holidays. On this Sunday's episode of "Mormon Times TV," we'll go to the home of President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's daughter, Antje Evans. She'll share some of their German family holiday traditions with us. And we'll highlight some of our viewers' Christmas traditions from around the world, shared with us on our "Mormon Times TV" Facebook page.
Also on our December 23 edition, we'll show you what it's like to be an LDS cadet at the United States Military Academy at West Point in New York. And you'll see how 2013 will be a banner year for young West Point cadets serving LDS missions.
A teenager honors her ailing great-grandmother with a campaign to warm the feet of those in need. It's compassion and charity in action.
Plus the LDS First Presidency members will share their testimonies of Jesus Christ. And recording artist David Osmond and his wife Valerie will be along to perform the beautiful Christmas number, "Alleluia."
