Celebrating Holiday Traditions and Creating New Ones

Holiday traditions play an important role in our lives. They provide us with a sense of belonging, connect us to our past, and create memories that we cherish for years to come. Whether it’s baking cookies with family, decorating the Christmas tree, or lighting the kinara or menorah. These traditions give us a sense of comfort and familiarity during a time when the world can feel chaotic and uncertain.

Holidays are also a time of joy and togetherness. Many families have their own unique traditions that they practice each year during the holiday season. Some of these traditions are passed down from generation to generation, while others are newly created.

Regardless of their origin, these traditions help to foster a sense of community and togetherness among family members and friends.

In addition to providing us with emotional benefits, holiday traditions also have practical benefits. They can help us stay connected to our loved ones and strengthen our relationships. They give us an opportunity to slow down and spend time together, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

What’s so wonderful about traditions is there’s no rulebook. It’s whatever you and your family love doing together, it can be as classic or unique as you want.

Whatever your family’s holiday traditions may be, they help to make the season feel special and memorable.

Finally, holiday traditions can also help us pass along our cultural and religious values to future generations. By sharing our traditions with our children and grandchildren, we can help them understand and appreciate their heritage and instill in them a sense of pride and belonging.

Here is a list of holiday traditions that will never go out of style!

Decorating a Christmas tree

I have always loved putting up my Christmas tree, and decorating it. Stringing lights and ornament placement is an art form, and I have mastered it. There is something so tangible in the air when decorating the tree.

Growing up my siblings (I have 5 of them) and I all circled around the tree to help make sure the lights were strung perfectly. My mom played The Temptations Christmas album, and I waited eagerly to cover the tree with “icicles”

I’m not sure why, but that is what I called tinsel when I was little.

Now, having my own child to share this joy with has added another layer to the beauty of it all. It will be my son’s second holiday season, but it feels like the first because he’s aware of so much more.

Seeing your child’s eye light up in wonder and amazement is the most wonderful experience. This year I feel like he’s actively participating, and that has been a dream of mine for years.

Ice Skating

Ice skating will forever be a classic during the holidays. You don’t have to know what you’re doing (there Is very little grace when I get on the ice)

But, it’s such a fun time. And, you get to warm up afterwards with hot chocolate.

Need I say more?

Exchanging gifts

Many people give and receive gifts during the holiday season as a way to show their love and appreciation for one another.

Honestly, gift giving is extremely fun. I wont say I don’t like receiving gifts because there’s no reason to lie to you guys LOL. But, there’s a special quality to gifting someone an item you know they’ll enjoy because you took the time to listen.

Remember that a gift is something that the receiver will enjoy, and that doesn’t necessarily mean a material thing. I’ve talked about love languages before and how knowing your loved ones love language can help during times like these.

If your mom would rather you watch Miracle on 34th Street with her than getting the newest Keurig..

Watch the movie. Who knows It might just become a tradition!

Me and two of my siblings started watching a holiday special on Christmas Eve; and that only started several years ago.

You can start as many traditions as you want!

Speaking of new traditions I wanted to add a list of new tradition ideas to your tried and trues. This list may incorporate things that maybe didn’t align with your life before.

For example, my husband and I now have a child so something new we added is having our son pick out an ornament every year.

Creating new holiday traditions

Holidays are a special time of the year when people come together to celebrate and create memories with their loved ones. While some holiday traditions have been passed down for generations, there’s always room for new and exciting traditions to be made.

Here are some ideas for creating new holiday traditions:

Host a themed party

Choose a holiday theme and invite friends and family to dress up and participate in activities related to the theme.

For example, a Christmas pajama party where everyone wears their favorite holiday pajamas and spends the night watching Christmas movies.

Volunteer

The holidays are a great time to give back to your community. Consider volunteering at a local food bank, animal shelter, or nursing home. It will be a rewarding experience for you and your loved ones.

Create a holiday recipe book

Gather family recipes or create new ones and compile them into a holiday recipe book. It can be passed down from generation to generation and become a cherished family tradition.

I’m waiting (patiently of course) for my husband’s grandma to share her chocolate chip cookie recipe with me LOL

Do Secret Santa with a group (or White Elephant)

Draw names and exchange gifts with family and friends. It’s a fun way to show appreciation for one another and create excitement leading up to the holidays.

My family did this for the first time a couple years ago. I have a huge family, so having one person to shop for instead of 25 (not even kidding btw) was a sigh of relief – my bank account thanked me.

I haven’t done white elephant, but it looks super fun.

Tip: have the group agree upon a spending limit if you’re trying to stay in budget (aren’t we all!)

Have a holiday movie marathon

Choose a day to stay in and watch your favorite holiday movies with loved ones. Make it a cozy and festive event with snacks and decorations.

Remember, the most important thing about creating new holiday traditions is to have fun and spend quality time with the people you care about.

In conclusion, holiday traditions are an important part of our lives. They provide us with emotional and practical benefits, and help us stay connected to our loved ones and our cultural heritage. So this holiday season, take some time to reflect on your family’s traditions and create new ones that will be passed down for generations to come.

Happy Holidays!