It is finally here. My college football teams are once again eliminated from playoff contention. I wake up to Florida’s version of freezing (60 degrees) in the morning, then back to scorching heat in the afternoon, and the fall holidays are ready to kick off the busiest time of year. Every year is like a roll of toilet paper, the closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes. This year I wanted to go back to the basics by strengthening the “why” in relation to holidays and traditions. Why are traditions so important in strengthening our families and values? They reflect just how much we truly have to be thankful for.
Like those strangely deep Matthew McConaughey Lincoln commercials say, “Sometimes you gotta go back to go forward.”
Traditions, especially holiday traditions like Thanksgiving, are practices and customs that communities and families pass down through generations. They often hold deep symbolic meaning, connecting us to shared histories and values. Holiday traditions matter for several reasons:
Cultural Identity and Continuity: Thanksgiving and other holiday traditions help preserve cultural stories and shared history. Celebrating Thanksgiving, for example, can remind people of gratitude, hospitality, and the importance of togetherness, reinforcing a sense of identity and continuity.
Connection and Community: Holidays are a time for gathering, and traditions like sharing a Thanksgiving meal bring family and friends together. These shared rituals strengthen bonds and foster a sense of unity within communities, creating memories that connect generations.
Emotional Stability and Meaning: During Thanksgiving, familiar traditions—whether it’s preparing special recipes, watching a parade, or expressing gratitude—can bring comfort and joy. These rituals offer a way to celebrate abundance and appreciate the people in our lives, creating a meaningful pause in the year.
Teaching and Learning: Holiday traditions like Thanksgiving help pass down values and beliefs, such as gratitude, sharing, and generosity. They offer younger generations a chance to learn family recipes, stories, and the importance of giving thanks.
Holiday traditions are always more than celebrations; they are ways to connect deeply with others, honor the past, and give meaning to the present.
With all the negativity blasted on our screens everywhere, it is paramount to go back to the basics and have a factory reset on our appreciativeness.
And with that, I will wish you and yours a cheerful holiday season.
November 2024
