The four weeks (roughly) from Thanksgiving to Christmas are filled with more traditions, expectations, and obligations than any other time of year. Trying to fit everything in frequently leaves us with our heads spinning.
Ironically it's also a time of year filled with songs about taking time out to count our blessings and spend time with those who are most important to us.
And what do we do during these four weeks? We rush from one thing to the next... dinner gatherings, Christmas pageants, holiday shopping, cookie baking, office parties, gift wrapping, and decorating. By the time extended family comes knocking at our door all we want to do is collapse.
It occurs to me that traditions are meant to bring comfort - not stress. Perhaps we have lost not only the reason for the season as so many suggest, but the proper perspective on tradition.
Henry David Thoreau once said: The more you chase happiness the more it eludes you. But if you turn your attention to other things happiness comes and sits softly on your shoulder.
Perhaps the same is true of tradition. Perhaps we should allow traditions to be created rather than strive to create them.
Resolve to take time this year to enjoy the season.
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