It’s December 23. The 2018 Holiday Season is in full swing.
When my kids were little, we worked so hard to preserve the holiday traditions that had been a part of my family growing up. My dad would go downstairs before anyone else was allowed down. He would “ooh” and “ah” and say, “You won’t believe it! Santa has been here!” Those traditions I had growing up became the traditions that we established for our boys. That is what Christmas was to them.
Now, Christmas is shared, the boys are older, and the old traditions don’t feel authentic anymore.
The holidays are difficult for people who have experienced loss. Even though we may have flexed our traditions over the years, once the fracture of separation, death, or divorce has taken hold, those traditions become permanently encased in carbonite.
Changing traditions isn’t easy, but it is important. Life changes, and our own ability to accept and embrace change will set the tone for how our children will be able to accept and embrace change throughout their own lives.
This year, we are embracing the holidays in a new home. Our traditions will be a blend of some old and some new. Throughout all of it, we have talked about how it feels to remember the past and embrace the changes of the present. We are so thankful for the blessings in our life – for the people who have shown us love and support, for the family who have helped us to build a new life, and for the chance to be thankful for the past while we look forward to the future.
Happy Holidays to you and your family. Enjoy building some new traditions with those you love this holiday season.
