New
traditions. Is that an oxymoron? Can
something be new and become a tradition simultaneously? Coming off a
Thanksgiving weekend full of “new” traditions, I am truly grateful. I have much for which I am thankful.
As I get older
and a bit more settled I am finding that my responsiveness to holidays is evolving,
too. Traditions are important, and I
enjoy the heck out of them, but what is more important to me is the time together the traditions bring. I no longer have to race and fret, to plan and
control, nor shop…oh my word, the shopping. But, I’m not doing it ALL these days. Younger women and men have stepped up,
stepped in. It can all happen around me. I cook, sure.
I help my daughter get the dinner ready and plan the menu, yes. I do pick up some ingredients here and
there. And, I forget stuff and have to
send someone to the store…what of it?
I think Thanksgiving
and the 4th of July are my top two holidays. I mean, they are neck and neck. I would mention Halloween but I most just like the
decorating. Of
course, there is Christmas and I love Christmas. I’ve got some feelings about Christmas that
may be in contrast to what the “holiday” is intended and because of that inner
discussion, I don’t put Christmas at the very top of the holiday list…now,
anyone out there who needs to hear this, hear this: My ranking Christmas lower
has nothing to do with my faith.
I am very thankful
this year, maybe more so than in previous years, and I’ve tried to put
gratitude at the forefront this holiday season. Along with my focus on making adjustments in
2019, and being really decidedly grateful, I will share that I am also determined
to be more expressive, more in tune and in touch with people and things. Some things I vow to learn more
about are not so pleasant as I witness what is happening around the country,
and some of those people, well, not so pleasant either. One of the things I am most grateful for is
my ability, my privilege, my right by golly, to be educated, informed and to be
a voice.
So what do I
know about this anyway? Nothing, to be honest.
But, in my need to make adjustments I also vow to educate myself, to
learn more, to not avoid or turn my head but to face both some beautiful and
some darned ugly issues. Are there topics you are afraid to approach? I have some. You want to
hear about racism? I can get in to that with you. WE can delve in to that together. You want to talk about women’s rights? Oh,
yes, hey…I am here for that. Shall we
explore reasonable gun legislation together? Okay, we can, but, I have to warn
you, I am emotional on that one. I am willing, however, to hear your thoughts.
I am making adjustments in 2019, and it starts from a place of thanksgiving, of true and
sincere gratitude, more than just giving words around a table. It takes a weekend in
a hotel with five beautiful, happy, healthy, bouncing and joyous grandchildren
to bring me to this place. I have so
much to be grateful for, I really do…and I bet you do, too.
Let’s roll up
our sleeves together and do the work.
