Ask Aunt B

B Dear Aunt B, I have young children. I want to make Christmas special. I want there to be meaning, not just flash. I do like the flash of the holidays, but I want more. I don’t know how to compete with all my children’s friends and their families. How can I have fun and make meaning too? I also want to start traditions, and I don’t have a clue. Any ideas?

Want More Than Glitter Dear Want More Than Glitter, Aren’t we all looking to add more meaning to our lives? Christmas is a time when the desire for more meaning really screams out at us. After all, it is supposed to be the most magical time of the year. I know this isn’t true for many people. Sending my love to you all.

Icommendyouforwanting to have more meaning and still have some flash. I think that is the best plan, meaning and flash. I think you can have both, many people do. The key is to find a balance between the two. Start with where you are. What do you already have in place? Look closely at how you generally celebrate the holidays. There could be some traditions hiding in the past. Do you have the same foods? Do you open presents at the same time? Do you always invite a special guest? Do you always invite someone new? Do you all share what you are thankful for? Does Santa come to your house? Do you listen to Christmas music? Do you have a specific time when you start listening to Christmas music? You understand all traditions don’t have to be the ones that stand out on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.

Now that I have mentioned social media, what have you seen on social media or anywhere that you would like to start to implement in your family? Even over-the-top experiences can be broken down to more simple and easier to begin. I was always so impressed by parents that bought a new ornament for their children every year. When their child had their own tree, they gave them all the ornaments. Oh my, how I loved and felt extremely guilty over that one. I could have started at any time, but I didn’t. I always thought to myself, “Too late to start that now.” Now I say as I wiser person (I hope), “Why was it too late? Start at any time!” Heck, I could start it now. It doesn’t have to be an ornament. Write them a letter. Oh, I loved that one too. Again, do as I say, not as I did. I think I actually like the letter one better. Can you imagine how valuable those letters will be to your children over time? I just may start that one myself. Also, no cost to the letter tradition. You might include the happenings of the past year, all the things you are thankful for and love about them, and any dreams you have for them. I don’t think this letter should be about any changes you hope they make, just saying. Just pick one new tradition and start it. Any more than that and it could be overwhelming to continue them. But of course, you do you.

As far as the flash goes, dang there are some great ideas out there. Remember sometimes less is more. Depending on your children's ages, include them in the decorations and flash. Twinkling lights make everything look festive. Take a nature walk and look for items to decorate. Look at that, the nature walk could be a new tradition as well.

Try as hard as you might to not do the competing thing. Never going to win that one. It also kills all the joy in the season. Make more meaning and wrap those meanings with the twinkle lights and you will come out ahead, I promise.

Love, Aunt B

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