Christmas Traditions and Connection
Christmas – like the song says, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” There are lights, decorations, parties and presents. People make a point of being more kind and giving. Friends and family make a point to connect and celebrate together.
What is a tradition?
Part of that connection comes from sharing Christmas traditions. Merriam-Webster defines tradition as “an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior.”
Almost anything could be a tradition this time of year! From making and sharing special holiday cookies, singing Christmas carols, decorating a tree, or watching holiday movies – the list is endless!
The point of traditions
The point of traditions is that they make us feel connected to each other. This connection spans not only the people we are with, but the people who have come before us. Grandpa Joe suggested that everyone attend the special service on Christmas Eve. Aunt Betsy was the one who started making rum balls, extra heavy on the rum. Cousin Fred always brough sheet music for carols and would lead the group in an off-key version of “Silent Night” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Someone started something and when we do that same something today, it gives us a bond to the people around us and the people who started the tradition.
One favorite family tradition
One of my favorite family Christmas traditions is singing the “Twelve Days of Christmas” song before eating Christmas dinner. For this holiday meal, we use special plates made by my grandmother. Each plate details one day in the “Twelve Days of Christmas” song. Everyone is assigned a plate, and we MUST sing the song before eating.
There is usually a lot of good-natured teasing and joking about who gets what plate and must sing which part. Some at the table are good singers and receive the “Five Golden Rings” plate, while most of us fall into the category of “joyful noisemakers.” However, the singing isn’t really the point. The point is that we are doing it together. Each of us is playing a small part in the larger family story.
Part of the larger story of Christmas
And not just the family story, but the larger story of Christmas. Because the larger Christmas story is all about connection too. People connecting with their families and friends, then reaching out to others with messages of hope and peace. This echoes the story in the New Testament book of Luke, about the birth of the Christ Child, evidence of God’s desire to be close to us.
Our wish for you this holiday season
With all this in mind, we would like to take a moment to wish each of you a holiday season full of hope, peace, and the warmth of sharing experiences with family and friends. We hope you take a moment to reflect on your favorite Christmas traditions, or that maybe you are inspired to create a new one this year. It has been a privilege to serve you. Best wishes for a Merry Christmas from your Westlark Advisors team!
Christmas Traditions and Connections
By JD Buss
