A holiday tradition I’ve chosen

Friends,

Last year, I decided to do something completely different for the holidays.

Or at least, different for me.

In years past, I’ve always spent the holiday (both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) at my wonderful aunt and uncle’s house. Every year, on Christmas morning, my cousin and I would open presents, like we were kids.

It was so generous, and it felt like home. I will forever get a kick out of the stocking my aunt makes for me. She wraps up Mentos, Tic Tacs, shaving cream…all with too much tape. It’s absolutely adorable.

But last year, as Christmas rolled around, I realized I needed to change things up just a little bit. Because as much as I adore this tradition, I was ready to make one of my own.

It had been a hard year with my dad. He was getting much sicker, and I had just spent months coordinating Meals on Wheels for him. (There was a waitlist where he lived.)

So, when I found out that a few of my Jewish friends have a tradition of delivering food to people on Christmas Day, I was all in. This felt like exactly what I needed to do.

It was wonderful. We brought food from a local community center in my neighborhood to lots of elderly people who were grateful to greet us. It made my heart feel very full.

This year, I’m choosing this tradition again. I’ll spend Christmas Eve with family, and Christmas Day volunteering.

It once again feels meaningful, especially in the wake of my dad’s death this year. I’m happy to be marking the holiday by giving, rather than only receiving.

Plus, there’s something magical about choosing a tradition of your own (big thanks to my pal Julie who introduced me to it, and has welcomed me into the fold!)

All of my holiday traditions before this one were passed down to me. I appreciate those traditions and feel a sense of gratitude and love for them and the people who created them.

And, it also means a lot to me to carry on a new tradition I’ve chosen. Especially this tradition, which allows me to contribute on a day when people can feel lonely.

Because I’ve felt lonely. I’ve worried about other people—like my dad—feeling lonely. So this tradition makes my world feel just a little bit brighter.

I would love to share the volunteer sign-up, but it’s full! If this speaks to you, though, you can search for opportunities like this in your area. Or you can donate to organizations like World Central Kitchen or No Kid Hungry.

This year, my friends, I hope you choose the traditions that bring you joy.

P.S. Of course, there’s one tradition that will NEVER stop—my Christmas photoshoot! With my new little fluffy girl, Luna, I can get back to form. Happy holidays from the both of us!