Family traditions counter alienation and confusion. They help us define who we are; they provide something steady, reliable, and safe in a confusing world. 
I’ve always loved holidays and the traditions that come along with it. And just because you do something for 5 years in a row (or 10) and not one year doesn’t mean you’ve broken your children.
Our traditions shift and change from year to year, but just the idea of doing something around a holiday is a built-in opportunity to strengthen our family connection.
It IS a confusing world, and whether you sew costumes for your kids (or not), head to a corn maze (or not), carve pumpkins (or not) you can provide something steady and reliable for your children with simplicity. I didn’t do any of those things this year, and I don’t feel 1 ounce bad about it.
Is there something that you normally do on holidays that you didn’t do this year? Release it into the universe and let it go!
Here’s what the community had to say:
“Last year the only day I could think of was on Veterans Day because I had it off work. It was amazing how much calmer our season was because I did it early.. and 2 days after Christmas I was so holy to take it down without any sad feelings. My kids hate the new tradition- but as a mom it’s allowing me to be WITH them more.. and maybe it’s just a lot because I am a decorator by profession and so Christmas decor is a little intense here in my house.”
“Having teenagers has thrown so many of our traditions out the window because they want to go out with friends- but we always carve pumpkins and take a picture with them all in a row, pumpkins in front and we always do Carmel apples 🍎”
“My kids are 16-20 now but still make there beds to secure they get a orange pumpkin filled with special items from me!!! This year was Trader Joe’s seasonal candles( the favorite!) some candies of choice and an item of sale or recycled clothing they would like. My daughter got a few things like seasonal nail polish, black face mask… Its more the idea of the tradition and comfort of sameness. My 20 year old moved out and was surprised that he still received his! It meant a lot to home!
If they didn’t make their bed on Halloween they didn’t get their gift till after dinner. Beds were always made!”
“I always make chili and invite friends over to share before night begins.”
“Neighbor kids that are young I spoke with parents and “booed” them with a small bag of pencils, slime, glowing plastic spiders and fangs. Some candy. It’s hard for kids this year. And the surprise of not knowing who is awesome!!!”
“I do too but adhd and autism make these things harder”
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