Advent traditions Christmas traditions The Giving Manger! One of my very favorite traditions to prepare for Christmas every year. Our family places the empty manger in a centralplace like the coffee table, and during the Advent weeks leading up to Christmas we place a straw in the manger every time we do a good deed. On Christmas Eve the wrapped gift of the little baby Jesus is placed in the manger, now filled with soft straws. Isn’t that so lovely? LTKGiftGuide LTKHoliday LTKSeasonal