How To Create New Holiday Traditions
As women, we often put immense pressure on ourselves to create picture-perfect gatherings. (Which is true even outside of the holiday season.) This time of year can be hectic.
This year's season holds a special significance for me in tradition-making as it will be the first time since my divorce that I will gather with both of my kids for a holiday celebration. To commemorate, we’re going to focus on simply spending quality time together and having a cozy evening. Our plan is to celebrate on Christmas Eve, don cozy pajamas, play backgammon, and read some new books because the gifts we’ve decided to give each other this year are two fiction and two non-fiction reads. (The non-fiction books have to be related to a hands-on activity, so let me know if you have any recommendations!) We’ll make a simple dinner together (fondue) and just be warm, relaxed, and very chill. I’m really excited about the plan!
In many years past, Christmas was often a flurry of rushing around. Last year, I embraced celebrating solo and exploring alternative holiday traditions, which turned out to be incredibly enjoyable. As I contemplate what new holiday traditions I want to have for this stage of my life, I would love your help! I have been greatly inspired by your ideas for "Untraditional Holiday Traditions” from the recent poll I shared on Instagram. I plan to incorporate my favorites into a holiday edition of the Never Have I Ever game!
To kick us off, here are a few ways I am celebrating the magic of the season this year:
1. Starting my mornings by standing at my window, savoring a cup of coffee, and taking a few moments to admire the tree adorned with the colorful lights that my son helped me decorate.
2. Embracing the festive spirit by keeping my Christmas lights on until New Year's, or perhaps even year-round. Yes, I am that neighbor!
3. Inviting my kids over for a cozy and hygge-inspired Christmas Eve.
4. Frolicing in the snow. (Walks with Milo and Noodle.)
5. Going cross-country skiing on Christmas morning.
6. And to bid farewell to the holiday season, you can bet that I'll be igniting a bonfire on New Year's Eve to burn my Christmas tree like I did as my new tradition last year!
If you have any other unique holiday tradition ideas to share, please respond to this email! I love hearing from you and discovering new ways to infuse joy and meaning into this special time of year.
P.S. If you're looking for more ideas to do over the holidays, I encourage you to check out my DIY Detour guide. (It’s fun to do with family, friends, or solo!)
