Holiday traditions
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Traditions to count on
“Traditions underscore our relationship to a greater whole. Then, instead of being isolated in time and space, we’re engaged with our clan or community, even with humanity as a whole….Once an activity achieves tradition status, it’s dependable. You can count on it. In a world of diminishing dependability, this is precious indeed.” ~Victoria Moran, Younger by the Day There’s comfort in having rituals and traditions, small or large. It doesn’t matter which holiday we’re talking about — it’s the special activities you count on that make it a celebration. Every year in the fall, for instance, I look forward to hosting a Halloween costume party for a group of neighborhood…
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With or without family … party on!
“You must remember, family is often born of blood, but it doesn’t depend on blood. Nor is it exclusive of friendship. Family members can be your best friends, you know. And best friends, whether or not they are related to you, can be your family.” ~Trenton Lee Stewart, The Mysterious Benedict Society While holiday traditions are practically imprinted on our DNA, not all of us are able to continue them with our biological families — for a variety of reasons. As families change or move in different directions, so do our celebrations. I’m an only child from a small family. My parents are gone, and few of my close relatives live…
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Unwrapping it all … A post-holiday reflection
“I may not have gone where I needed to go, but I think I ended up where I needed to be.” ~Douglas Adams This morning I woke up in time to see a fresh layer of snow blanketing the trees and rooftops. It’s two days too late for the white Christmas so many wish for — but it’s still beautiful (as long as you’re not driving to work in it). Snow has a way of hushing the landscape. It covers the last remains of autumn decay while it highlights the graceful bend of bare branches. A snow day invites us to pause or slow down; to retreat and reflect. It’s…
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Honoring
“Those who have enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.” ~Franklin D. Roosevelt Photo by Cindy La Ferle