The Value of Holiday Traditions

[lisacaron 5,075]

The Value of Holiday Traditions

Do you look forward to the holidays or do you dread them?

What traditions mean the most to you and what new traditions do you think would be good to establish?

When you think back to the holidays of your childhood what comes to mind? What memories come first?

Traditions are held practices, customs, beliefs, or values handed down from one generation to the next. Through the oral tradition, much cultural and historical information was passed down through generations. Much of the information was captured once a written language was established. Thoughts, stories, and ideas common to a group of people that have been tested to be enjoyable or reliable tend to continue and while those that are not fall away. Children learn by repetition and thrive in the predictability of routine. When they have participated in an activity or routine several times, they come to expect them, which helps reduce anxiety from the unknown and unexpected. Traditions keep loved ones alive in our hearts and minds when they are away from us and create a special bond for years to come. Many of the happy experiences we remember as we age come when we revisit the memories of routines and traditions we enjoyed in our youth. It isn't difficult to establish traditions with neighbors, family and friends. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of your time together this holiday season.

Make the Practical Special and Fun -
Serve Others to Help Brighten Their Holidays -
Incorporate Relevant Religious and Cultural Elements

The Bottom Line

Regardless of whom you Celebrate holidays with, there is always room to create traditions that establish memories or strengthen a bond. It is never too late to start holiday routines and traditions but it is also never too late to change them. This is especially true if you have experienced loss or life changes

Sometimes knowing when to change traditions or establish new ones is as important as following them. If your life has recently changed either by choice or by circumstance, consider creating new traditions. Many people dread the holidays because the traditions will never be the same. Establishing new traditions can help you look forward to the holidays while also preserving the memories of traditions past.

[Healthy_life2 8,324]

I have a new tradition starting this year. I am registered in the Turkey Day 5K. Day of giving back. Beyond excited.

http://www.turkeyday-5k.com/page/show/552843-boise

[finediva 979]

I've dread them for almost 10 years now. Wish I could wake up and it's January 2nd.

[haleytrim 244]

Jenn, my daughter and her two daughters have been doing the Turkey Trot for 3 years now. My sleeve surgery is 11/17 so can't this year, but I plan to be ready for 2015!!!! They always have a ball!!

[lisacaron 5,075]

I have a new tradition starting this year. I am registered in the Turkey Day 5K. Day of giving back. Beyond excited.

http://www.turkeyday-5k.com/page/show/552843-boise

Love this idea, I will have to check to see if they have one of these in my area!

[tamg26k 479]

I'm from a big Italian family so our Christmas tradition is to have a big Italian banquet of food. You name it, we have it- lasagna, sausages, prosciutto, arancini, mozzarella, pecorino, artichokes, etc. Probably enough to feed a small army. I'm not really dreading it this year to be honest. I'll bring something that I know I can eat without any problems while still being able to keep my Italian card!

[Healthy_life2 8,324]

@@haleytrim

Wow 11/17 is almost here. Congrats!

[haleytrim 244]

Thanks @@jenn1 . Nerves are beginning to kick in. lol