Generation? Decade? Year? How do you measure your holiday traditions? 2022-12-21

I remember hearing how the date for Christmas was chosen because there were already so many festivities happening around solstice (Dec. 21). According to historians, December 25th had nothing to do with the approximate date of Jesus’ birth. The early church was going with the flow.
 
Along with ‘borrowing’ the date, Christians borrowed many of the pagan traditions, such as:

• Gift-giving,
• The image of Santa Claus,
• Christmas stockings,
• Christmas caroling,
• Decking the halls with holly, and
• Decorating trees.

Christmas and family traditions have been modified over the years. Which I think is a great thing. If the meaning behind a tradition can be shared in a better way, then start a new tradition.
 
Which brings me to you. What are your best memories from past holidays? Which emotions are tied to those memories? What activities that work for you this year tap into those emotions?
 
Every person, family, and culture has its own flavour.

My childhood Christmas eve was wall-to-wall cousins, aunts, and uncles. And food! So much food! In Iceland, their traditional Christmas eve consists of books exchanged and everyone retreating to a cozy reading spot and into their own world.
 
Last week, I heard one lady speak about her years of solo Christmasing due to her feuding family. She LOVES it! She stocks up on her favourite foods, spa treatments, art projects, and other hobbies, shuts off her phone, doesn’t get dressed if she doesn’t feel like it, and has a great day.
 
Old tradition or new activity. Neither way is better than the other. It’s whatever works for you.
 
I hope you are surrounded by a loving family and/or friends. If not, surround yourself with your own love, appreciation, kindness and if need be, forgiveness.