As we age traditions can change and we might miss some of the old traditions or feel uncomfortable with some of the new ones that come along with a changing life due to partnering or new environments. But the good thing about holiday traditions is that you can always create new ones that brings you joy and good memories. The comfort of holiday traditions can bring a feeling of peace and contentment that calms the mind and reduces stress.
One of the ways that traditions help with stress during the holidays is that they bring a sense of reassurance in a changing world that at times doesn't offer the same securities it might have in the past. Traditions give us a place to come home to where something feel familiar in an uncertain world.
Creating memories with others using traditional rituals for the holidays can bring a sense of peace and joy, as well as bonding around when those traditions are repeated again in the new year. They become the things that loved ones look forward to and long for when thinking of gathering again.
If you are missing some traditions that were once in your life during the holidays, there is always the chance this year to revive them, recreate them for a new generation, or create entirely new traditions that have the opportunity to become the things to look forward to year after year.
There is a lot of peace to be found in tradition and holiday ritual. Here are some ideas for you to consider trying for yourself and your loved ones:
Mailing holiday cards, baking cookies or other treats, decorating your tree or home, making ornaments or decorations, creating gingerbread houses, caroling, holiday gathering to watch traditional movies, ugly sweater parties, burning a candle in memory of loved ones lost, going to look at local lights, holiday hayrides, annual tree decorating party, attending traditional performances, etc.
These are fairly traditional, but don't be afraid to come up with something very unique to you and yours. A traditional cold-water plunge, card game, hot chocolate recipe, special soup, or any other number of unique things you want to weave into your comforting holiday routine is okay. The point is to not just wait for traditions to be handed down from one generation to the next, but know you can start your own at any time.
If you don't like a holiday tradition you try this year, you don't have to repeat it again. Just toss it aside and try something else. But for the things that you find worthwhile, make a special place in your heart and memory to bring them out of the box again next year.
"We are what we repeatedly do" ~Aristotle
Thanks to Emily May for the great photo
