Traditions can be a good thing, they can also put a lot of unwanted pressure on you that had never been intended when ever the tradition had started.
Thankfully I'm at a place in my life where I'm okay with not following traditions unless they actually add something to our family.
I have been browsing Pinterest for ideas for special snacks and treats in hopes of reviving our family tradition of having a snack-tastic Christmas. It sort of fizzled out for a few years, but with eager helpers in the kitchen it feels like the year to celebrate like we used to. Several different pins that kept popping up had to do with the twelve days of Christmas and ideas what to do on each day. I'm contemplating whether or not it might be something to do this year. I had tried our own version of it for our first Christmas and we loved it, but children and added responsibilities they bring made that it never became a tradition.
The first time I heard of celebrating the twelve days of Christmas was as a teen one of my friends lived in the Amish community in Milverton, Ontario and there they all celebrate it quite properly. Beginning on the day after Christmas and continuing until January 6th they have a continual Christmas celebration of visiting friends, having special food for each of the days, including roast goose, mincemeat pie, fruitcake, poached pears, and what ever else was considered to be the proper food to eat each day.
It used to make me weary just thinking about having almost two whole weeks of not working. As far as I know they are the only Amish community to celebrate like that and I can't help but wonder how many of them wish they could quit the tradition.
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I think traditions, in moderation, can be great. But, when it becomes a huge chore or adds too much stress, then it is time to change. I used to make too much stress for myself trying to over do special things at Thanksgiving or Christmas. Thankfully as I got older, I got some what wiser and lightened up the work load to enjoy what these holidays are all about. Blessings on you and your family.
ReplyDeleteFriends of ours celebrate with friends and family on each Sunday of Advent. That is not quite as time-consuming as the 12 days. They invite different friends for dinner, each Sunday, and have little gifts to give to their guests. I found it a wonderful way to celebrate. They moved away 10 years ago and I keep thinking I would like to start doing it - but so far, it's still just a thought! I'm too tired now, but it is a great idea (I think!).
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