In our increasingly secular society a growing number of adults, and therefore also children, have never experienced the Christian traditions embedded in Thanksgiving and Christmas. Non-Christians often produce a completely secular holiday mealtime focused on a day off from work plus food, food and more food. However, the holidays offer on mission Christians a wonderful opportunity to share our faitheven if its simply inviting the newest family in the neighborhood into our home to share the classic holiday meal. An invitation to your home can let friends and acquaintances experience a more meaningful celebration of the holidays, laying the groundwork for you to share Christ.

Recently, my friend Nadine McClung invited us to join her family for a holiday meal. I like to invite people who are single or who dont have family nearby, Nadine says.

When inviting others in, you can reduce the pressure on the hostess by asking each guest to bring part of the meal. Thats what the first Thanksgiving was like, Nadine says. The Indians brought deer, clams, berrieswhatever they had. The feast and celebration lasted three days. As a first grade teacher, Nadine knows well the details of the first Thanksgiving details I didnt remember.

The Pilgrims left England and came to America so they could worship God freely, Nadine says. Okay, that much I knew. But during the first winter, half of the original 102 Pilgrims died, she adds. The next year the remaining Pilgrims wanted to thank God for those still alive. They also experienced a bountiful harvest and wanted to celebrate. They invited their Indian friends to join them. Giving thanks to God was the whole idea behind the first Thanksgiving.

When I visit Nadines home, I cant help but notice her nativity scenes displayed throughout her houseevery design, flavor and motif.

I display my collection of nativities throughout the year, she says. They often spur questions from guests. Today, Im surprised by how many children dont know what a nativity scene is. My new daughter-in-law asked why I like them so much. These questions give me an opportunity to talk about my faith. I explain why theres a stable and tell about each character in the scene.

Nadines decor remains traditional. Not everyone decorates the same, but I think something in our home should reveal our Christian faith, Nadine says. For example, I inherited my grandmothers ceramic Horn of Plenty. At Thanksgiving I fill it full of fruit. After Thanksgiving, I set an advent wreath on our dining table and light the candles during Sunday meals. Guests often ask questions about the meaning of the wreath or why the candles are burned at different levels. This is a chance for us to share the hope we have in Christ as we await the celebration of His birth.

In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the second Monday in October. Thanksgiving here is not a big deal, says Connie Taillon, wife of Gerry Taillon, national ministry leader for the Canadian Convention of Southern Baptists. To most people, its simply a three-day weekend, no different from any other. With Thanksgiving mainly an American holiday, acquaintances or neighbors from other nations, religions or cultures may not know the Christian traditions associated with the holiday. So, for on mission Christians, the holidays create opportunities to share traditions and the meanings behind them with those who may know very little about Christ. But Canadians celebrate Christmas in a big way.

In Quebec, French Canadians Christmas celebrations are highly influenced by Roman Catholic traditions, including the midnight mass held on Christmas Eve. This service includes much pomp and pageantry. Many families open their gifts after the service and then, in the middle of the night, enjoy a huge, sit-down meal featuring traditional pork pie and meatballs with gravy.

Influenced by British heritage, English Canadian traditions are quite similar to Americas. Christmas is the time to be with family, says Connie.

When inviting friends in prior to Christmas Day, Connie suggests including a table centerpiece of a nativity sans baby. Explain that the Child will be added to the scene on Christmas morning.

Anyone who cant go home for Christmas in Canada is a good candidate to invite to share the day or at least the feast with you, Connie says. We have a gathering at our house Christmas Day. After the meal, we have a dessert potluck. There are always unbelievers in the group, and we know the warmth of a Christian Christmas celebration makes an impact on them.

Canadians also celebrate Boxing Daythe day after Christmas. This is a great day for inviting people out for winter sports, Connie says. Invite a neighbor or new friend to enjoy a day of skiing or spend Boxing Day on a frozen lake with tubes and sleds. We barbecue in the back of a truck and keep the hot chocolate flowing. People who must spend Christmas far from family are grateful to be included.

Whether you skate, sled or play hockey on a frozen pond followed by a hot bowl of chili around the kitchen table, Connie says, Boxing Day is a chance to spend time with the people we pray for all year round. Its ideal for telling them about Jesus.

Dianne Butts is a writer living in Limon, Colorado.