I'm not really into traditions. I'm really super boring when it comes to that stuff. Well, when it comes to most stuff. Actually when it comes to any and everything.
I gave up on cards. I used to love sending them and I would tape the ones I got around the door frame and stop to look again and again, but geez it’s been almost a decade now that it seemed folks lost interest in sending them. For a time I held on, but when it became obvious I was only getting one from someone after they got mine and felt obligated I just let it go. I was down to one card exchange with Aunt Betty who always wrote a letter, but she passed away this spring so the last is gone now. This year I found gift buying a little different as well. Both the chicks are out of the nest and with limited space, so I focused on useful items and fewer things overall. There are no little children in our family anymore, no traveling this year since mom died at the end of summer so dad will be coming to stay here for days. I’m finding it feels like a quieter holiday than it once was, and my spirit with it, but I will always have my tree and lights and Christmas movies. ☺
@JustNik I would spend a small fortune on cards and stamps. The anticiptation of checking the mailbox and finding a stack of christmas mail was sooooo warming. But like you said…it slowly faded to just a few cards You could tell some late ones were sent simply in reciprocity and it made me feel sick. So this year, I remorsefully declined to do it.
Maybe its because the recipients in my circle are now older (as I sometimes forget I am). Maybe more frugal. Maybe more lazy. Or maybe just cant be bothered.
Its one small tradition Im glad I had a memory of knowing. 🎄
@JustNik Sounds really nice for you now. The hub and I wouldn't celebrate if it wasnt for our daughter and my cousins kids. I never send out xmas cards or get any since my parents and other older relatives died. Its becoming a thing of the past.
In the past, I did ditch Christmas cards, because the postage is so expensive. Instead, I used to send virtual cards. American Greetings kept my Christmas list on file, and it was easy to send a "card" to everyone!
This year, I can't afford American Greetings. I had 6 stamps left, so I mailed out 6 cards, (which are sent to me by various charities), and placed cards near the mailbox for my friends and neighbors who live in this building.
It's mostly pagan tradition anyway, so I do enjoy celebrating the season. Decorating the gray sleeping earth with twinkle lights and treats for animal friends who might struggle in the winter. I'm not crazy about the consumerism aspects. But why not feel a little cheer while it's dark.
I keep traditions as long as they make me happy. I'm flexible with regards what we do for Christmas. My sister however, must eat the same things at the same time and do the same things to a T.
I do enjoy the decorations and the Christmas feeling. But my bf and I dont eat christmas food or bother with gifts. We enjoy it in our own way and still have lots of luxuries to eat and drink without any pressure.
I enjoy most Christmas traditions. Im not wearing any christmas sweaters though, or any of those matching pajamas either, i'd just as soon take a dive in a wood chipper.
When you have kids at home, you should try to keep as many traditions as possible. Once they move out then just keep the ones that are important to you
@Blondily I feel like the end of January makes sense. The days are getting longer and it's getting old at that point for me. But big celebrations on New Years Eve and then jumping right into sterile work mode and darkness everywhere. It's just ugly and depressing.
