While 2020 has been a challenging year, few things bring us comfort more than our traditions. As the “holiday season” begins with Halloween, get ready to experience your holiday traditions in the upcoming weeks. Even if this year will look a lot different from the past, the anticipation of once again experiencing JOY in your practices soon approaches.
As a young and poor mom, I wanted to make a Halloween costume for my first born. Forget that I had never sewn on a machine (despite a degree in home economics) and did not know this area. My sister gave me the courage to try by offering her sewing machine and watching the baby while I “made it.” The result was fabulous! I followed the pattern instructions, and voila, it happened. Crazy how that happens.
Even thirty-seven years later, when I pull out my fall decor, THE pumpkin costume still makes its debut, hoping for another child to wear it. I have my little shrine to “those who have worn it” displayed in my home. It makes me so happy! I think of each child, their age at the time of wearing it, what their expression says to me, and my heart is full.
Side by side, these “pumpkin patch kids” remind me of hope, love, creativity, determination, mentoring, sacrifice, and of course, tradition.
I then think about other traditions in my family, like my grands and raising my three kids. I know that my heart is lighter in the coming weeks, despite whatever is going on in the world. I am hopeful and ready to experience the joy they bring again.
Our traditions include our own “turkey trot” around the park, thanksgiving day crafts, and a black Friday movie instead of shopping. This will be as much a feat for my weary soul as well as the turkey I can’t wait to consume! Wearing our Pjs to look at Christmas lights, having hot cocoa after, decorating everything in red sparkle and green shine, Christmas Eve church service, traditional green chile enchilada dinner, and opening one gift all remind me not only of fun things I anticipate and look forward to but the people I want to be there. I’m reminded of those we have lost and are no longer be present and the new ones who will fit into the family gatherings as we advance.
Every family has its traditions, and that is the best part. Holiday traditions are as unique as each family.
What family traditions are you looking forward to this year? What new ones are you planning to implement? If you don’t have any, start some! What better time to begin?
Here’s hoping your holiday JOY is approaching in this crazy covid year. 2020, I had better hopes and dreams for you, but we will all end you with the traditions that remind us what is essential: family, friends, shared experiences, and anticipating the comforts that our human hearts need.
I can’t wait! Yes, traditional JOY is just ahead! I feel it, can you?
