Traditions are important during holiday season

With the holiday season upon us, many of us reflect on cherished traditions and memories that Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and other celebrations bring. We embark on a heartwarming journey, exploring the magic of the season, the importance of keeping traditions alive and meaningful, and the spirit of giving that defines the season.

Traditions serve as a thread that weaves our family history, connecting us to our past, present and future.

Frank Sonnenberg, author of “Follow Your Conscience: Make a Difference in Your Life and the Lives of Others,” shares “traditions represent a critical piece of our culture.” Frank claims, “they help form the structure and foundation of our families and our society, and they basically remind us that we’re part of a history that defines our past, shapes who we are today and who we are likely to become tomorrow.” 

An article in UNC Health Talk suggests the following benefits of traditions:

1) Traditions help ground us. Dr. Schiller, a UNC Health clinical psychologist, says, “Traditions specifically bring up positive emotions associated with memories from our childhood, past times that were meaningful, or loved ones who are no longer with us.”

2) Traditions provide a sense of purpose. Dr. Nadia Charguia, an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the UNC School of Medicine, believes that when we “lean into things that are familiar and reliable, then anxiety, worry and stress just tend to melt away.”

3) Traditions encourage connection and community. 

The magic of the holiday season isn't limited to just our personal experiences. For those across the globe who celebrate Christmas, unique traditions add a special touch to the holiday season. From Finland's hidden almond in porridge tradition to the amusing potato gifts for naughty kids in the Netherlands, these traditions add a layer of cultural richness. These diverse customs, no matter how unusual they may seem, reinforce the universal message of love, joy, and togetherness that the holiday season embodies.

The festive season is also a time for giving and reflecting on our societal roles. One way to do this is through meaningful gifts. In the spirit of giving, we also explore the importance of community engagement and service, emphasizing that the holiday season is not just about receiving, but also about giving back to our communities.

However, as life evolves, so do our traditions. Children grow up and start their own families, and our loved ones may no longer be with us. These changes can leave us wondering how to keep our traditions alive and meaningful. We can look to practical tips and inspiring ideas on how to adapt and evolve our family rituals during these transitions. From finding ways to include those who don't have family nearby in our celebrations to creating new traditions while still honoring the old ones, we can strive to ensure that the magic of the holidays remains alive, regardless of life's changes.

Whether it's through inherited family traditions, unique global cultural customs, community acts of service, religious practices, teaching principles, or just a way to have fun - the spirit of the holidays reminds us of the bonds that connect us. As we navigate through life's transitions, these traditions serve as a beacon, guiding us toward a sense of belonging and continuity. As we cherish and adapt our holiday customs, we create a legacy of love and joy that will continue to shine brightly for generations to come.

In the end, it's not so much the tradition itself that needs to be perfectly executed, but the time spent with those we hold dear. As author Tanya Dalton said, “Traditions aren't about adding more to your busy schedule. They're about filling your time intentionally.” May the traditions we create and implement today be the memories our loved ones cherish and even pass on in the future. Let's celebrate our traditions and embrace the joys of the season.