Holiday Traditions Come From a Loving Place

You can’t watch TV this time of year without seeing a holiday movie playing or episodes about the holidays. I was watching the TV show “This is Us” and the message I took away from it was about traditions that families have this time of year. I then started to think: “How do traditions start?” “Why do they start?” and “Who came up with them?” Then that conversation got too big in my head, and I narrowed it down to the surprising fact that all of that doesn’t really matter. What matters, I think, is how traditions make you feel. I believe, for the most part, traditions come from a loving and caring place and when people think back to the traditions they had growing up or the new ones they are creating in their own family, there is a sense of happiness, cheerfulness, and reminiscing.

Find The Good in Your Holiday Traditions

Although the holiday season can be hard for some people, I don’t want this blog to be about “surviving the holidays” or “getting through the holidays,” (One of my last blogs was on that topic, check it out if you’re struggling right now). I’d rather it be about remembering the good times, or creating good times, and sharing and spreading kindness to yourself and to others.
So, please take this moment to think about a time that you felt happy during the holiday season, it could be small or big. Yes, some may have to think harder than others, but please do it.

For example, looking at all of decorations around the city, thinking about this magical time of the year, the times you did get to spend with friends and family, even if they are not around anymore, giving back and helping others out, remember that smell of cookies, playing with your pet, seeing the smile on your kids’ faces, or remembering the smile on your face, or watching the snow fall in Colorado. There are so many good things to think about! Just because this time of year may be difficult right now, does that mean it always will be. Or if times were difficult growing up, does that mean it has to be now? It is all about trying to see positive things even in difficult times. Take this time to be grateful and happy with what you have.

My Favorite Holiday Traditions

Some traditions that I remember that put a smile on my face include, Christmas morning breakfast with my entire family, watching the dogs play with their very own Santa gift, passing around the Santa hat while opening presents, staying in our P.J’s all day, visiting with friends and family, sleep overs, and putting up the Christmas tree. New traditions that we have created in our adult life now include, watching Elf, Christmas Eve breakfast with my best friend, and visiting family on Christmas! These are the family traditions that I have chosen to focus on that put a smile on my face.

Looking to Start Your Own Holiday Traditions?

How about some ideas to get your own holiday traditions started. Perhaps a family movie night? Since we love Elf so much, Elf is playing in Denver at the Alamo Draft House. Recline, relax and enjoy dinner and drinks while watching the classic holiday film. Or, maybe a favorite recipe should be made every year. Even better, get the whole family involved for cookie decorating night! Or….snowball fight?

I hope you all can chose to focus on some family traditions that are happy memories and/or start to create a new family traditions this holiday season! Remember that your kids will not remember what gift they got each year or what gift they did not get, what they will remember is how you made them feel this Holiday Season!
Happy Holidays!

~ Katie