As we move on in life, we find that some traditions comfort us, empower us, and enrich our lives while other traditions can be suffocating. I'm thinking about this as we embark on the holiday season. I want our family and friend traditions to be inclusive and welcoming rather than exclusive and/or suffocating.
What traditions embrace you and welcome you?
I always looked forward to celebrations at my husband's family home. His mom spent days preparing for welcoming, warm celebrations where there was good cheer and lots of fun. I want to replicate that hospitality and joy in ways that I can.
My own family hosted many enjoyable family get togethers too--we gathered with lots of good food storytelling, laughter, and cheer time and again. I have many good memories of those good times.
Traditions that were less enjoyable usually included some angst or discomfort. Those events help me to remember what we need to steer clear of in order to create greater joy and peace when we come together.
So as I think of the good times, I recognize that the elements that make the events enjoyable include the following:
- good, healthy, simple foods
- preparation so everyone is less harried
- healthy, positive activities such as hikes, games, music, conversation, creative tasks that people are invited to take part in
- a warm, welcoming home