Traditions, customs, habits, beliefs, attitudes, whatever you wish to call them, we all have them. The holiday season seems to bring them out in full force.
Whether it be lighting the Menorah that has been passed down in your family for generations, or heading out to the local tree farm to choose the perfect Christmas tree, they are part of who we are.
Through the years these traditions are perhaps tweaked or even evolve through circumstance. Not everything has to stay exactly as it was through the years.
Growing up, I remember my Mom staying up all night on Christmas Eve to put together teh finishing touches for not one, but two hosted meals on Christmas Day. We would start our day hosting brunch for friends and neighbors. Later in the day, family would arrive for a grand Christmas feast.
“Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii’s way to say Merry Christmas”
After my husband and I marries we travelled for the holidays with both my family and his. The first year we visited France and Italy. THere was something magical about arriving in Paris on Christmas Eve and attending Mass at Notre Dame. While thousands of miles from home, we were able to recreate the tradition of going to Church on Christmas Eve. We didn’t understand a word of the service, conducted in Latin, but it’s a story we recount often this time of year.
The holiday season is a wonderful time to travel and not only make wonderful memories, but perhaps start some new traditions as well. Leave the stress of planning holiday parties, decorating, shopping and cooking behind you as you see the destinations you’ve been dreaming about.
There comes a time when I think we are passing around the same gift cards year after year. I remember watching a sitcom and a teenager’s response to receiving a gift card went something like this: “Oh great, you’ve taken money that I could spend anywhere and turned it into something I can only use in one place!” Those aren’t the kinds of memories I want to pass along.
As my own family grows the travel during the Christmas break has slowed down a bit, but the travel memories are still a big part of our Holiday. Our tree is full of ornaments we have collected not just during our Christmas travels, but throughout the years.
While unpacking Christmas decorations we often discuss the stories behind our growing collection. Years ago I also noticed something unexpected. On the side of the box for our Charlie Brown Christmas Tree is a small quote that says “Travel makes a person grow.” That’s certainly true for not only our family, but our family traditions as well.
What about in your family? Are there mementos or traditions that you have collected through travel that have become a part of your Holiday celebrations? Feel free to share stories or photos on our Facebook page, and don’t forget about the Holiday contest highlighted below! Are you ready to give the gift of travel and incorporate some new Holiday traditions into your family? Click here or call to schedule your appointment. We would love to help you plan your journey.
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