STXWM Blog

Fifteen years ago, my husband and I were newlyweds, just a year into marriage, and still figuring out life together. Our world was turned upside down when we gained custody of my two youngest siblings. Suddenly, our cozy duo became a family of four. It was a whirlwind of emotions—joy, fear, uncertainty, and hope—all rolled into one.

We were thrown into parenthood overnight with our “Miracle Grow” children. How do you make a group of individuals feel like a family? How do you foster a sense of belonging when everything feels so makeshift? That was the question we wrestled with. As the holiday season approached, we were determined to create traditions to anchor us and make our little family feel real.

That’s when the idea of matching Christmas pajamas was born.

On our first Christmas Eve as a family, we surprised the kids with matching pajamas, and we all wore them as we celebrated Christmas morning. It was a simple act, but it meant so much. It was something we did together as a family, something that was uniquely ours.

Starting something new can be daunting. Whether creating traditions, stepping into a new role, or building a life from scratch, the fear of failure often looms. As I reflect on those moments, I think of Abraham, who God called to leave everything familiar and go to a place he didn’t know. Genesis 12:1-2 says:

“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.’”

Abraham didn’t have footsteps to follow or traditions to fall back on. He had to trust God and step forward in faith, even when the destination was unclear. His willingness to begin something new became the foundation of a legacy that would bless generations.

Looking back now, it seems almost silly to compare “Father Abraham,” the patriarch of nations, to “Sister Tracie,” a 20-something figuring out how to make dinner for four. But in those first few years of creating our family, everything felt huge and daunting. Every decision, from setting bedtime routines to choosing Christmas traditions, seemed monumental. We weren’t just navigating parenthood; we were building a home where broken pieces could come together and feel whole again. Like Abraham stepping into the unknown, we faced uncharted territory, clinging to faith that God would guide us and that our small, imperfect efforts would ultimately matter.

Sometimes, you’re blessed to inherit rich traditions passed down through generations. But sometimes, you have to be the first. And I’ve discovered through many years that there’s a unique beauty in that. Starting something new is an opportunity to infuse your values, your faith, and your love into a tradition that can grow and evolve with your family.

Our Christmas pajama tradition started small—just matching sleepwear and a few laughs. But it’s become a cherished part of our family identity over the years. Now, with our eight-year-old child, we still celebrate every Christmas Eve in matching pajamas, reliving those moments of togetherness and joy. What began as a way to make our blended family feel whole has turned into a legacy that we hope all of the children we have raised will carry on someday with their own families. 

Creating your own traditions isn’t just about the here and now; it’s about planting seeds that will grow into something lasting and meaningful for the future. Traditions are the stories families tell through their actions, the habits that shape who we are and who we want to become. The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 13:22, “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children.” This inheritance isn’t limited to material wealth or possessions. The values we uphold, the faith we nurture, and the love we pour into the moments seem ordinary but carry extraordinary meaning over time.

If you find yourself in a season of starting from scratch, know this: you’re not alone. God often calls us to begin new things, not because it’s easy, but because He has a greater purpose for us that we can’t yet see. Even in seasons of uncertainty, when new beginnings feel overwhelming, new traditions can remind us of the potential for something beautiful to grow. In this season, not only the Christmas season but this season of life, lean into His guidance and trust that your beginnings, no matter how small, can be used by God to glorify Him and create a legacy that reflects His love and faithfulness for generations to come.

 Tracie Tevault is a recent addition to the STXWM blog team, and she’s excited to share her journey and connect with others through her writing. Married for 15 years to her best friend, Tracie is raising one awesome son and three spoiled cats who definitely rule the house. With a heart for ministry, Tracie has served in many areas, but her true passion lies in reaching those who might not fit the traditional church mold. She’s all about showing people they are loved, valued, and created with a purpose. Quirky, loud, and always ready for a good laugh, Tracie brings a fun-loving energy to everything she does. When she’s not writing or serving, you’ll find her hanging out with her family, discovering her newest crafting hyper fixation, and finding inspiration from God in the everyday moments.