Often the best part of the holidays are the traditions you establish with family and friends. Cookies you make, decorating a bit, watching holiday movies together, and games you play are the true magic of the season. Heck, I used to look forward to taking DOWN the Christmas tree with my family growing up because that night we always ordered whatever Chinese food we desired. It was something to look forward to after a sad and dull task. The date doesn't matter -- it is what we do with others that creates the most special memories that touch the heart.
When loved ones pass on, holidays can change but the traditions still remain. Missing your parents’ or grandparents’ special holiday culinary creations? Why not try to recreate one or two with other family members? Of course it may never quite taste the same, but the time and effort you spend channeling those we love and honoring traditions they taught you, is what really matters. Play music that reminds you of them. Yes, you may cry, but you will most likely smile afterwards thinking of a funny event that happened years ago. Put out a special holiday candle, just for them. Place an ornament on your tree in their memory that reminds you of something they enjoyed. Donate items in their memory - maybe dog and cat toys to a local animal hospital or snacks to a homeless shelter right before a big game on tv. Tell your kids and grandkids stories of holidays past. These are ways you keep your loved ones with you and new traditions are born.
Traditions are what are handed down and what we make on our own. If your family and friends lack interesting and fun traditions, create new ones. They don't have to be perfect like a Hallmark card. Strive to be yourselves and not stress. The best times are simple and often just happen. Ask for ideas -- even from the younger ones in your circle. Maybe you'll have an M&M buffet, fall asleep in front of the tv watching a marathon of holiday specials, or go on a car trip to see holiday lights with everyone in their pajamas and bathrobes, sipping hot chocolate.
During school vacation, freak out your teen by sending them an invitation to meet you by the television at midnight to play video games or go for a mani/pedi with your daughter and ask her to pick out your color, something new and vibrant, including a little nail art. Go snow tubing, on a dog sled ride, or some other adventure in the cold to take your breath away. Make breakfast for dinner or eat dessert before your meal to keep the kids wondering. Or volunteer your time together in honor of a loved one and smile up to the heavens - noting this one's for you! Physically gone but never forgotten…until we all meet again.
May you feel the warmth this holiday season and know you are not alone. The love of family and friends, past and present, never goes away.
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