Developing Your Own Holiday Traditions

The holiday season brings forth a variety of thoughts, feelings, and memories. Many families have their own unique ways of celebrating that bring an air of sentimentality to their festive gatherings. For some, these traditions become cherished metaphorical family heirlooms that continue from one generation to the next, and for others, old traditions may be tied to more painful memories, or simply may never have existed at all. Even if we grew up with treasured time-honored traditions, we might still have a longing in our hearts for something that is uniquely our own when it comes to the family we have lovingly created. A common misconception is that a tradition must be handed down, but there is no rule that says you can’t start your own! 

Where does one begin when creating a holiday tradition? When it comes to creating traditions that are uniquely your own I suggest first taking some to reflect on your values and the values of your family, or those you will be sharing this tradition with. Ask yourself, what values do I care about? What values do I want to share with those I love? Values can be just about anything! Humor, quality time, creativity, learning, philanthropy, inclusion, making a difference, appreciating beauty, sustainability etc. 

Once you are able to identify what your values are, I encourage you to spend time reflecting, which may be in the form of meditation, drawing, writing, creating a vision board, talking through your thoughts, etc. Then, challenge yourself to identify ways that you can put these values into action. For example, if humor is a value of yours, maybe a new tradition could be going shopping as a family to see who can find the most random tree ornament or the funniest holiday card. Maybe you want to host a game night in your ugliest holiday sweater or tell cringe-worthy holiday jokes around a special shared meal. A few examples of possible traditions aligned with other values can include:

• Quality time: holiday movie night, walk-through holiday light displays, or baking and cooking together.
• Creativity: making handmade ornaments or holiday crafts, seeing a holiday play or performance, or gifting a holiday poem.
• Learning: Taking a class with those you love, gifting books, or learning about other cultures and how they celebrate special holidays.
• Philanthropy: Volunteering together or incorporating charity into gift giving (themed item with a donation in a loved one’s name).
• Inclusion: Who can you invite to share in a holiday meal, outing, or event? 
• Making a difference: Purchase gifts for a child on an Angel Tree, shop local for gifts, leave holiday cards on neighbors’/strangers’ doorsteps, or pick a day as a family to perform random acts of kindness dressed in festive attire.  
• Appreciating beauty: Go to a holiday art show, go on a holiday hike, sip hot chocolate as you stroll through holiday light displays, or decorate the house together.   
• Sustainability: Plant a Christmas tree, design your own wrapping paper with friends and family using paper grocery bags, or organize a neighborhood gift swap. 

The ways in which we can create new traditions are truly limitless! Pick the value, brainstorm the ideas, and decide on the how’s, when’s, and who’s of it all! Take the pressure off of yourself to make things perfect. Traditions can change, grow, and evolve over time! 

If you or a loved one are dealing with painful memories of the past that are making it difficult to find joy in traditions that once brought so much light, I encourage you to take the time you need to process the hurt and grief that may be holding you back. It is ok to separate the hurt from the happiness that once was. You can reclaim the activity while shedding the weight of the who’s and what’s that are holding the activity hostage. If you can’t do this on your own, enlisting the help of a therapist might be helpful. You can also try adding a small change or personal touch to create a new version of an old tradition to give it new life and a new beginning. 

However you choose to celebrate this year, may you do it with those you love, and with joy in your heart! 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on Annapolis Moms Media and its affiliates are those of the authors and/or experts and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Annapolis Moms Media. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors is of their opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything. 

The published article is available for informational purposes only and is not considered licensed professional advice on any subject matter. By viewing articles/blog posts, the reader understands there is no client relationship between the reader, the publisher, and its authors. The article/blog should not be used as a substitute for professional advice from a licensed professional, and readers are urged to consult their own counsel on any specific questions concerning a specific situation.