I was recently talking about holiday traditions and how the memory of some holiday traditions makes the Christmas holidays difficult. By definition traditions are customs or beliefs that are passed on from one generation to the next. It’s only natural that holiday traditions are wrapped up in family.
I don’t really remember any holiday traditions from my childhood. Maybe it was because we moved often or because of lack of money. However, as a mom, I wanted to instill traditions in my family that could be passed on for generations.
We had several for the 9 1/2 years we were together. The day after Thanksgiving, we put up the tree together. Franklin the elf made his appearance this week. There was always a trip to Moody Garden Festival of Lights. The weeks leading up to Chrismtas were filled with holiday movies. Always on the list were “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, Chevy Chase’s “Christmas Vacation”, “The Polar Express” and of course “The Santa Clause”. There were new holiday pajamas and one gift on Christmas eve. There was always favorite candy in the stockings and Christmas day was spent together.
The memory of those traditions makes the holidays hard. I haven’t put up a tree since. There are no holiday pajamas and it’s all a little emotional. But that doesn’t mean I don’t love the season. I love the holiday music and lights. I love the bright red, green gold and silver sparkles everywhere. I am invigorated by the cool crisp chill in the air. Although the memory of familiar holiday traditions are hard, the excitement of new holiday traditions make the Christmas season something to look forward to.
This year as I celebrate the holidays I’ll be looking forward to starting new traditions with my new family. I’m not sure what the new holiday traditions will look like, but here is what I’m thinking…
- Enjoy the holiday music and find a new holiday playlist
- Find a new place to enjoy the Christmas lights
- Find a new holiday movie to watch Christmas Eve
- Go to the movies on Christmas Day
- Cook Christmas Eve dinner together
- Plan our next dive trip (our gift to each other)
- Focus on the true meaning of Christmas and do something for others
- Find a way to remember and honor Larry and Landon
For me, it’s time to take the next step in enjoying the Christmas holiday season. Whether you put one new tradition in place or 10, try something new this holiday season to help foster healing and renewal.
