Traditions are hallmarks of most holidays, but they’re particularly prominent during celebrations that fall at the end of the year. The customs people hold dear are among the many factors that set the holiday season apart. It’s why we eat turkey when giving thanks, kiss under the mistletoe, or have an annual “day after” brunch.
Just because a holiday is associated with various established traditions doesn’t mean individuals and families cannot come up with new customs. Here are some pointers for people seeking to establish new holiday traditions.
Identify what you value
Values establish the foundation for holiday traditions. Maybe you aspire to give back to your community? Perhaps the goal is to spend more quality time with family? Once you’ve identified the values driving your motivation to start a new holiday tradition, you can then establish one that aligns with those values. For example, if you aspire to give back, then a day of service at a nearby food bank or an annual winter clothing drive can become a holiday tradition.
Expand on an existing tradition
New traditions do not have to be entirely unique; they could expand on things that families already do. If family baking sessions are an existing tradition, perhaps the efforts can be expanded to include more family members? Extra items can be packaged up and shared with elderly neighbors who may no longer have a lot of family visiting or can’t bake on their own.
Reflect on childhood traditions
Perhaps there is something adults did during their own childhoods that can be incorporated into modern traditions? An adult who has fond memories of playing a game in between courses of the holiday dinner can engage in that same game to pass it on to another generation.
Get inspired
Although scouring social media can create feelings of inequality or even competition as everyone posts their holiday activities, such searching also can provide inspiration for innovative traditions. If something a friend is doing looks like it can be fun and rewarding, families can borrow the tradition and make it their own.
Communicate with others
Sometimes we do things every year simply because we do them every year. That can make a tradition start to feel like a routine or a burden. Engage the entire family in discussions about traditions they may want to include in holiday celebrations as well as what ones they may not enjoy. For example, traditions that foster over-consumption or create unnecessary stress can be eliminated and replaced with customs that make everyone feel better.
Involve others
Part of the magic of the holidays is the chance to connect with others. Expand holiday traditions to include more people. If a home is not large enough to handle a crowd, think about renting a room at a VFW center or library, where a greater number of people can get together to create wreaths or even watch holiday movies. The more, the merrier this time of year.