I used to think tradition was for stuffy old people. A way to hold onto the past and re-use old stuff. (Remember taking the musty old tablecloths from a box or bringing out the falling-apart ornaments? I can still smell it!)

But I was young and cool and wanted to live my life by doing things different, mixing it up every year! I would bring excitement and novelty to my holidays and seasons. No more old stuff!

Ha!

My childhood was filled with traditions - some things I didn’t even realize would become a tradition til I had my own kids. I couldn’t escape it if I tried!

And now? Our traditions bring so much joy to our family! It’s something to look forward to. Sometimes, something to giggle about. But always something to bring us together.

At Thanksgiving, we watch the Macy’s parade in our pajamas; we make a silly centerpiece for the table each year; we say what we’re thankful for; we bring out the fancy dishes (and balance the silver spoons on our noses and make the crystal glasses “sing”); we watch “The Muppets Christmas Carol” snuggled up by the fire; we try to get a family picture - and it almost always ends up laugh-able; and we make Grandma’s pumpkin pie. If any one of these things doesn’t happen - someone will remind the group!

Now, the Christmas season is upon us, and my kids are chomping at the bit for our usual traditions: lighting the Advent wreath and reading passages from the Bible each morning; Christmas books to be unwrapped and read every day til Christmas; Christmas sheets on the beds; baking cookies; playing games and doing puzzles; ornament dates; going for a drive to see Christmas lights and ending at “The North Pole” (a local diner); a long list of movies to watch; Christmas Eve service at church… and so many more that they will remind me of…

It’s funny… Now that I focus on finding joy in the small moments, I no longer feel the need to plan big elaborate adventures or spend large amounts of money to create a memorable holiday… Because it’s the little things. It’s the snuggles under a cozy blanket, reading a book together. It’s giggling at “Home Alone.” It’s making a mess in the kitchen and having a frosting fight (what?!). It’s going for a snowy walk after bedtime to look at the lights in our own neighborhood… These are the memories that will last. These are the things we look forward to year after year.

Traditions make me slow down and appreciate what is already in front of me. They allow me to take a breath in what can be a very chaotic season. And the best part? They’re kind of DIY. Once you do them… They’re set - no thinking, no planning, no reinventing the wheel!

So, if that means I’m now a stuffy old person… I’ll take it. I get it now. And I love it. (Even the musty old decorations that now come out year after year…)

I’d love to hear about your holiday traditions! And if you don’t have any yet…? What is one you’d like to try?