Traditions of Meaning

When everything was turned upside down this Christmas, I found that  the simple ritual of lighting a candle brought me joy and peace and, yes, even a sense of companionship. I didn’t bother with decorating a tree, there was no candlelight supper to host or candlelit service to attend. But that simple candle was a worthy substitute. In fact, in its profound simplicity I connected with the true spirit of the season.

The lighting of candles is an ingredient of most winter holidays, across religions and time. The celebration of light that goes back to the Ancient Celts is simple , yet profound. It stirs the heart, bringing joy and hope and inspiration. Yet, rushing to put outside  lights up in October before the cold weather hits or running around at the last minute to find the perfect present for someone who has everything, etc. may be more traditions of habit or obligation than of true meaning. Then there are the traditions that evoke memory (sometimes even sad memories) that are carried forth without thought of why or to bring back the past.

The holidays were challenging this year. However, they gave us an opportunity to take a fresh look at what is important to us. And as we know, when a pattern is broken or a state unfrozen, we can take a hard look at what’s going on and then reset our intention and our practices.

I invite you to take a few minutes while holiday memories are still fresh in your mind and in your heart to look at your traditions.

Did you find this year that  there were traditions you were relieved to skip? Or found you didn’t miss?

Were there traditions that you discovered were more obligation than joy?

Were there traditions this year that you adapted or reinvented ? How did they work out?

Which of the things you did truly brought  meaning to you and your loved ones?

I would suggest to you that:

If an activity make you lighter or more joyful, they are worthy of keeping or making into a new tradition. If not, consider letting go of them.

If they hold memories but no longer hold meaning, think of a creative way to keep the memory but streamline, update or transform the tradition.

Most importantly, ask yourself what is truly meaningful to you during the holiday season. Then commit yourself to putting that, those traditions or new rituals, to the forefront of your next winter holiday season.