Holiday traditions are so important to young and old alike. They bring a sense of security and belonging. In today’s rushed world, it is comforting to know that some things stay the same year after year. Traditions also foster closeness between family members, while passing down customs to younger generations. Maybe most important is the opportunity to treasure loved ones while we have them. There are many ways we can celebrate Christmas.
Baking with a child can create lasting memories. Spend an entire day creating different recipes. When the day is over, there will be containers filled with the luscious goodies to share during the holidays. And even when your children are older and less willing to help with the baking, they’ll always enjoy eating the cookies with you !
Shopping can feel overwhelming at times. Why not take a day off work with your spouse and make it a date ! Stop for a long, leisurely lunch and enjoy each other’s company.
Tree trimming is another occasion to make a memory. Turn on the Christmas music, make hot chocolate and Christmas blend coffee, and decorate the tree. This really gets everyone into a festive mood !
It is even more fun if one of the old Christmas classics, like « Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer » is on the television.
Wrapping gifts always seems to be left to Christmas Eve no matter how much we resolve to do it early every year. Of course, the kids can’t sleep, so we are often up till the wee hours of the morning trying to get gifts under the tree. But the excitement the next morning is well worth the lack of sleep !
The most important tradition for me this holiday season is to make connections with friends and family. Some of our loved ones may be gone now. But the memories will never be taken away. They are there to be treasured for the rest of our lives.
I hope that my children will love our traditions as much as I do and remember the loving family in which they were raised and the connections that we made.
Happy Holidays to one and all !