Turkey day is on the way and we are miles away from family and friends. Last year our holidays were filled with a scattering of going here and there, driving everywhere to satisfy everyone on both sides of our family. They all had traditions that they required our attendance to fulfill. Traditions that made us wonder where the real meaning behind them had fallen by the wayside and gotten lost in the comings and goings, spending and gifting.
Thanksgiving has lost much of its meaning for me. The traditions of giving thanks for what one has somehow turned into a day where family gather to eat more food than they normally do, most of which is unhealthy. On a day of thanks, I would prefer to give thanks for good health, family, friends, the things I have and the knowledge I have gained through a life of open minded exploration. Eating unhealthy foods in exorbitant amounts does not represent this type of thanksgiving to me.
Some new family traditions that would better suit Thanksgiving for my family would be donating to a foodshelf, volunteering time, gathering with family and friends to do something together that does not turn food into a source of entertainment, or even traveling with family, giving thanks in each other by spending relaxing time together.
Christmas is another holiday that has lost its meaning. Millions of present underneath the tree, usually translate to things that children do not really need: stuff that clutters, toys that are used once and never touched again. Holiday stress and expenses on decorations have crowded out the spirit of true giving.
Some family traditions that I would love to start for our Christmas holiday are:
Instead of cutting down a tree – Buy a fake tree and plant a tree or donate to an organization that protects wild areas or replants deforested areas.
Instead of wasting energy on lights – Use LED lights and/or homemade candles.
Instead of buying tons of presents – Start a tradition that each gift be limited to one and that the family as a whole donates time or money to an organization that helps needy families through sustainable living practices.
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