Christmas Traditions

Christmas Traditions on your mind? Stay connected to the ones you love as your family grows, as the kids leave home, or as you make other life changes. Traditions help keep ties strong.

Twelve Days of Christmas

It’s 12 Days of Christmas time at our house. For the past several years, our family has spent the 12 nights leading up to Christmas day hanging out by the tree and reflecting on the year past, and the year ahead . Each evening, one of our five asks a question. Some are easy, some reflective, some debate-provoking. Each of us provide our response. When everyone’s had their say we hand out stockings. We do one stocking-stuffer per night. Socks, gum, and undies make an annual showing.

This tradition is continuing into our sons’ adult years. It’s getting a bit challenging to sort out real-life schedules (we’re doing some very late-night 12 Days this year!), but we all eventually land in the same room, ready to harass, support, and squabble with each other.

Starting the conversation

Some of our questions this year have included

What is your favorite holiday food? Why — is there a memory associated with it?

What was a high point of the past year? A low point? Is there a character quality that you possess that contributed to the high point?

What is the greatest risk you’ve taken this year – physically, financially, socially, spiritually?

Why we have the traditions that we do

Talking about big things and small things in a safe place was a good fit for our family. You have traditions of your own. They are meaningful and strengthen family ties. If you’re an introvert like me, some are gifts you give yourself. Watching old movies, and re-reading favorite novels may be your go-to. Quiet evenings in with your favorite critter and cuppa may make for your best Christmas.

Christmas traditions are points of connection with the ones we love. They support values we hold dear, and the generosity we hope to share. If you’re interested in exploring the “Why do we do that?” of everything from bells to baubles to Hanukkah, check out The History of Christmas. You’ll find fascinating tidbits of info there! For example, did you know,

“The world’s longest Christmas cracker measured 63.1m (207ft) long and 4m (13ft) in diameter and was made by the parents of children at Ley Hill School and Pre-School, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, UK on 20 December 2001. Now that would be one big bang!”

Create your own solitary, community, and family memories. Do the things that bring you peace of mind in what can be a stressful season. Most importantly, find some people you like to do them with.

May your Christmas traditions enrich your holiday. From each of our team here at DAC, we wish you and yours comfort and joy! Here’s to excellent health through this holiday season and on into the year ahead!