In the next room, my family gathers around a table lit only by candles. The table is set with platters of nontraditional Christmas foods such as dates, figs and olives. Clusters of fresh grapes and cucumbers surround sliced cheeses and pieces of roasted chicken. Steam gently rises from a basket of warm pitas.

This is our Bethlehem dinner. Bethlehem dinner is more than just food, candles and family. It’s more than just a tradition, it’s a symbol and it is a way our family redirects our focus back to the first Christmas and the birth of Jesus.

With food and atmosphere, we try to step back in time … back to our Savior’s humble birth, and let our hearts soak up the significance it has for us and the world.

We shift our focus off tree decorations, presents and cookies because that’s what we do on Christmas, but it’s not what Christmas should be about. Our family Bethlehem dinner is special to me because it is a time of joy, remembrance and gratitude, and I know we are creating precious memories.

Ameliah Williams, age 12, Raleigh