Traditions!!

This year, we had a long, warm autumn. Our first snow was about six weeks later than usual. So, Thanksgiving kind of snuck up on me. I knew it was coming, but suddenly it was in the upcoming week. With the approach of Thanksgiving, I thought of all the holiday traditions that were coming along with it (watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade in my pjs., seeing the holiday lights). I was in near danger of missing out on some of those traditions because I wasn’t paying attention. So I actually made a list so I wouldn’t forget them in the swirl.

I also pulled out the decorations. But days later, as I ate cookies on Christmas plates at someone else’s home, I remembered I had Christmas dishes that I hadn’t pulled out. A few days after that, I remembered my Christmas refrigerator magnets (don’t judge me). I had forgotten them in the distraction of the swirl.

Everyone has different “traditions” – large and small. One brother goes skiing. One cousin puts up a single snow globe for decorations. A friend goes out for Chinese food on Christmas day.

I no longer live near family. I have scaled back to a very low-key holiday rhythm, but there are still a few special things I like to savor. I still decorate. I have new traditions with friends. I take some time for solitude and gratitude. I refuse to let the season pass in the swirl of everydayness and sameness.

I keep the traditions that make sense in this season of life.

#Christmas #tradition #stillness