Kristi over at
life through the lens has her photo prompts going again:) As busy as we all are, it's wonderful for her to do this! The prompt this week is "tradition". Like most of Kristi's prompts, this one got me thinking. Tradition, especially holiday tradition, has changed so much for me since the birdies left the nest. When I had kids in the house, we always had a real tree that we decorated together when they were young; as they got older it took more bribing and pleading on my part to get them to participate in this ritual. ("But the sun won't come back if we don't decorate the tree!!!!") Nowadays, my own children are spread out and don't make it out to Utah for Christmas. Sometimes we will go to Colorado, and depending on which children are there at that time, we'll get to see them and our Colorado friends. Here in Utah we get to spend time with my husband's son on Christmas Eve, and he usually will stop by for a little while on Christmas day to exchange presents, but he's grown too and has friends and much more exciting stuff than us old fogies!
We don't even bother to have a real tree anymore. We really have no space for one even if we wanted it! So I have started, or reverted to, the tradition of putting up this aluminum tree. When I was a kid I was always so excited about getting to put this tree up. I think I liked it even better than the evergreen. I like traditions and rituals; I think they are important in our lives. They keep us grounded and give us continuity. I do not, however, believe that we have to follow the same traditions and rituals as everyone else. Tradition doesn't have to be rigid. (even if I do have
Tevye dancing on a roof in my head right now!) I would like to create some new traditions, that have meaning for my family, however close or spread out they might be. I'll be giving that some more thought over this holiday season.
What are some of your special holiday traditions that you look forward to? How have traditions changed for you over the years?
Bobbi you're words are so beautiful and I feel exactly the same way about traditions. Isn't it funny when the word tradition comes to mind I too think of Tevye and want to start singing! I love your garland. I have wanted to make a paper garland for such a long time...just haven't gotten around to it...like so many other things right now. Thanks so much for your participation each week. It's really fun to get to know you better. ♥
ReplyDeleteOur traditions have changed over the years so we have less stress in general. I still love making my gifts, cards, and goodies, but we don't travel anymore. My hubby and I spend the day together with good food, wine, talk to everyone on the phone and just hang together now. It's a nice day.
ReplyDeleteI love the paper chain with the snowflakes. :)
ReplyDeleteI've decided that young children keep traditions alive- there are so many things that my (original) family does, just because there are kids around again. Stockings are a special thing, Santa is discussed in hushed tones, Christmas lights are "magical" and not just obligatory, church christmas parties are exciting instead of one more event.... :o) Traditions...we leave out reindeer food (oats with colored sugar) on Christmas Eve to tempt the reindeer into our yard, and we love to visit the local botanical garden every year to see the lights!
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, how I agree that traditions have changed for us over the years, too. We used to pile all the kids in the car and head to grandma's early Christmas morning. As the kids got older and wanted to stay home and see their friends. Now that we are empty nesters, we enjoy when, who and where - always changes, but still wonderful and enjoyable. BTW, I love your pics.
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