Keeping Traditions

Thinking about traditions as the air cools, the leaves put on their vibrant dress and plans start forming for the Thanksgiving and Christmas season.

What is it about doing the same thing year after year that makes us feel so rooted and joyful? What are the little ways that we tweak a tradition to keep boredom at bay? What makes our traditions worthy of passing along to the next generation? Perhaps these traditions actually provide just a bit of that social glue that binds us together as a family, or community.

Full disclosure, I'm a sucker for tradition, though at my age, I do like sneaking in a little twist or tweak to freshen things up, because some of these things have been happening for a LONG time! One of my daughters insists that certain things be done "as usual", but I don't mind, as I'm so glad to know that our little traditions mean so much to her.

And so, I am in the planning works for another year of wreath making, with friends new and old, and with some fresh ideas brought to the table to inspire all of us. 

What makes people want to come back and do this again? Simply put, LOVE! The love of natural things, of our ability to create, and the joy of just being together doing something to celebrate the  love of God, family and friends. The wine and chocolate help, too!

Tis the season! It's a gift to do something we don't HAVE to do, that simply brings us pleasure and lasts beyond the season. I hope you're planning something traditional for the upcoming holidays. If you've never joined us, this could be the year you start a tradition you'll definitely want to keep.
 

Meg & Kelly, RVA friends, displaying their creations