Your Married Life: Creating Family Holiday Traditions
The act of getting married is a tradition, lovers have been doing it for a very long time. However, what you do thereafter as a couple can encompass other traditions or novel sentiments.
For example, if you come from different backgrounds, celebrating traditions can be awkward during the holidays. So, rather than inspire resentment, confusion, and argument during the holidays, circumvent such notions by starting your own traditions. Here are a few to try.
Hot Drinks
Riding through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh may not work well, or be safe, if you live in California, but a few drinks associated to the holidays are more convenient to come by. For example, head to your favorite coffee shop to enjoy hot cider or cocoa and enjoy conversation about what it was like to celebrate the holidays when you were younger.
Exchange Ornaments
Traditionally, evergreen trees are draped with garland and associated ornaments. However, you don’t need to celebrate Christmas or need a tree to exchange wedding Christmas ornaments. Remind your lover of your special day by presenting them with a special, customized gift.
Stuffing Stockings
Based on lore, St. Nick was a toymaker who would donate to kids in his neighborhood. Emulate the sentiment by purchasing stockings and filling them with tiny presents for family members. Remember, it’s the thought that counts, and finding tokens that remind you of them and prove you know their interests means a lot more than the price tag attached to the gifts.
Dress the House
Regardless of individual faiths, there are ornaments to be bought and draped throughout the home. Reserve a weekend to appropriately dress the house for the holidays. If neither of you are religious, coat the home in winter garb; hang icicle lights outside, create snowbanks with cotton inside, and build your own sleigh with recycled wood.
Movie Montage
There are so many movies associated with the holidays that span over decades. You can start with It’s a Wonderful Life and watch films leading up to the current era, watching Elf or Polar Express. If you’d rather go out than stay at home, peruse local papers for showings of popular holiday films or decide to watch live theatre renditions of holiday plays.
Be Secret Santas
The holidays are really about giving and being with family. Do something kind for others by searching Craigslist listings and finding those in need and less fortunate. Go out and buy something they desire and tell them you will leave it for them at the local police station or post office. It’s not about receiving credit; the holidays are about showing love and being kind.
Holiday Reading and Recording
The holidays are associated with a number of tales and legends. Rather than read stories alone, pry open one of the tales and make a recording to give to your future child or to present to family members on the holidays. You can be serious or make it silly and fun by imitating the voices of the characters in the story.
Marcella D. Estrada is a family therapist. She enjoys sharing her insights on the web. Her articles can be found on mainly on family and living sites.
