CAMPUSCOMMONS
THE SEARCH FOR NEW HOLIDAY TRADITIONS WHY THIS CHRISTMAS WILL BE DIFFERENT THAN ANY OTHER Some trivial, polarizing topics in everyday life bring out the most passionate opinions. How a steak should be cooked, the designated hitter in baseball, and which way the toilet paper should roll are all perfect examples. But every year, there is one conflict that trumps them all: when Christmas music should start. I think my wife would begin playing the sounds of the season before Halloween if she could get away with it. On the other hand, we all know people who view the very idea of listening to Christmas music as more painful than an intense injury. Personally, I reside right in the middle. you’ve had the same yearly celebration your whole life and your kids have that familiarity, as well, the sense of nostalgia becomes impossible to ignore. It provides some stability, and the lack of variables makes a more comfortable environment for everyone. Uprooting that routine is tricky to navigate, and it’s going to be different for a lot of us. The one thing we don’t want to lose is our commitment to spending time together.
Most of our year is hectic, so the opportunity to sit back, relax, and enjoy time with family is a gift in and of itself. Managing a practice and balancing the schedules of kids can leave our heads spinning at times; it also limits the quantity and quality of time we spend with one another. The holidays are a time to celebrate the best parts of life that bring people together, so our new traditions are TRADITIONS ARE SURE TO PROVIDE AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR US TO INVEST IN COMPANIONSHIP WHILE LEAVING OUT THE RUSH.” “THE HOLIDAYS ARE A TIME TO CELEBRATE THE BEST PARTS OF LIFE THAT BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER. SO OUR NEW
When “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” or “Little Drummer Boy” plays over the radio, it’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement of Christmas. Every time I hear a classic song, it brings me back to my childhood and the memories of Christmas morning. For as long as I could remember, we spent Dec. 25 at my grandparents’ house. The whole family would come, and we’d have brunch together and open gifts. Ever since I was a baby, that was the tradition. I still have old black-and-white pictures in a photo album of me at my grandparents’ in my holiday attire. It’s what we’ve been doing for more than 50 years. We’ve had the same brunch, the same traditions, at the same place — but not this year. Since my grandmother’s passing, we’ve had to re-evaluate holiday traditions, and I think Christmas is going to be the toughest. When
sure to provide ample opportunities for us to invest in companionship while leaving out the rush. There will be no drama, no stress, and no apprehension. We’ll just spend time together, growing closer and forging strong bonds. I appreciate these moments more and more as years go on, and the older our kids get, the more critical I think it is to share in the holidays together. I hope that, regardless of how you celebrate, your season is filled with the joy that comes from building camaraderie with others. The gifts, the songs, and the buzz are nothing when stacked against lounging in your holiday pajamas with those you love.
–Mark Eddy
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