Traditions and Change

Hi! 


Every year seems to go by more quickly, doesn’t it?  2010 for me was chock full of activity, and as with many other folks, ongoing challenges and change.  Still there is much for which to be grateful: shelter, warmth, food, clothing, the ability to make lemonade from the sour fruit.  With clean water, which much of the world does not have!   Here in the U.S.A. we still have our personal freedoms of choice, plus the power of our own imagination to create better life experiences for ourselves and our loved ones.  We have our individual traditions, and even those change.


Over the years, my extended family traditions have changed.   The family game of choice always: Bingo, with gaily wrapped prizes (mostly from the dollar store, or the equivalent) - the main “coming together” game.  The kids love it.  Like most families, for years we exchanged gifts, one for every person.  Lots of shopping, wrapping - joyful, but costly.  As the family grew larger and larger, that gave way to putting everyone's name into “the hat.”  Each person drew one - and purchased one “nicer” gift (at an agreed price) instead of lots of smaller ones.  


Time passed; gifting tradition gave way to a “white elephant” exchange where everyone draws a number, chooses one wrapped gift and opens it.  However, someone with a higher number can on their turn take it from you, and you must choose another.  When done in the spirit of fun, it can provide a lot of laughter.  The first time I experienced this game was at my line-dancing class Christmas party.  Many folks seem to enjoy it.. That tradition died when some of the “white elephant” gifts were items that should have been junked – i.e., a broken toaster(not so hohoho)!


The next tradition was the Christmas Craft.  A theme was chosen, agreed upon, and everyone made whatever crafty thing they wanted to fit the theme.   One year the theme was flamingo - whatever it was had to have a flamingo on it.  Crafts ranged from a birdhouse to a bench.  The family's creativity, crafty quality, and fun was delightful.  Even the children crafted gifts for their cousins.  The number/take away game was retained for the carefully wrapped crafts, enjoyed with lots of  “stealing” and laughter.  With one exception - the children never took away from anyone else or traded their craft gifts.


Tradition changed again in 2009.  The Christmas craft had no theme - it was “whatever.” One person homemade chocolate covered cherries.  I crafted a wall plaque/coat hanger, painted musical instruments on it.  By “chance”  it appropriately ended up with my bluegrass musician daughter.   It was the last wrapped gift to be selected and no one else wanted it!


The very challenging year 2010 again brought change.  Back to basics.  No gifts.  No crafts. But the family gathered, everyone contributing items to share in a plentiful meal and a spent few special hours together.  Only one other tradition continued – the Bingo Game, with holiday wrapped prizes (many from the dollar store).  And the love.  This time the children suggested other games they wanted to play and we adults happily joined in.  The five year old boy was discouraged because the older opponents beat him at Connect Four.  I volunteered to play  a game with him.  I didn’t have to try to let him win. He bested me quickly and handily, twice - then he was bored.   I was too easy to be a worthy opponent for him.  There was much laughter; we lingered longer together this year.  It was one of the very best family times - the best gift of all.


The time I get to spend with my family and loved ones is precious to me.  Life, like the future - is uncertain.  We never know for sure whether we can all be together again, so it's important to share love with those you care about now, in the present moment, while you can.


Life is a blessing, a gift to be treasured.   Though our material belts may have tightened, there is an unending supply of Divine Love and Joy from the Source.  I  am very grateful for the richness of life's blessings.


Whatever your present / future holiday plans, traditions or activities, or life goals, may love and joy be yours – in abundance!


Happy New Year and HUge Blessings!                - M L