Tradition?
December is marbled with tradition. Probably more so than any other time of year. Now, I’m as much a sucker for sentiment as anyone, but perhaps we ought to rethink the notion. 
According to Merriam-Webster, tradition is the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another. This is a fancy way of saying we tend to do what we’ve always done over and over. Don’t get me wrong, family traditions are important. They create bonds and gives us a sense of connection and comfort.
We all have our own special customs. My aunt and uncle owned a Christmas tree farm. Every year, our family would troop there to buy a fresh-cut pine tree (Dad couldn’t abide the idea of anything but a “real” tree). For decades, my grandmother celebrated the season with the entire extended family at her home on Christmas Eve – the only time I ever saw my cousins. For almost as long, my mother hosted a not-to-be-missed Christmas Day breakfast.
But time sneaks in. People move away. Loved ones die. Life happens.
In due time, the Christmas tree farm was sold. Dad passed on, followed years later by Grandma and Mom. My kids grew up and needed to split time between their original family and the one they’d married into.
As each change happened, the first Decembers felt oddly uncomfortable. Scratchy as a wool sweater on bare skin. We had to learn the skill of adapting. I succumbed to the lure of an artificial tree. My sister took over Christmas breakfast. A schedule was worked out so the kids could share the cheer without feeling guilty. Our holiday time had to be reimagined.
In 2020, COVID brought new challenges and changes. Last year we went to a drive-through light show (something we’d never done before), because it was about the only festive activity available. Turns out, we liked it so much we did it again this year. A new tradition? I suspect so. 
No matter how treasured your traditions have been, the ability to revamp is critical to well-being. Much as I love memories from past holidays, it isn’t possible to replicate them, so the blessed flexibility of adjusting to current times and situations has made all the difference.
One thing is for sure, a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle could shoot your eye out… or maybe it won’t.
Our lives are guaranteed to change, so we can’t let fear or disappointment prevent us from taking a chance on a fresh idea.
You may just find a brand-new tradition can become as valid and special and fulfilling as an old one.
Sending my warmest wishes to you all!
I’d love to know. How have your traditions modified over the years?
#####################################################Pat Wahler is the author of Western Fictioneers’ Best First Novel of 2018, I am Mrs. Jesse James. She is also the author of a contemporary romance series, The Becker Family Novels, and a collection of holiday-themed stories, Let Your Heart be Light: A Celebration of Christmas.
Pat is a frequent contributor to the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.
