I have been thinking of the things that bridge the past to the present - the personal things - that tie you to those that you have loved and lost. The holidays are a huge part of that thought pattern, but it happens all year long. When you hear a special song, eat a cookie with a certain spice... good and bad we are tied to those who we were once connected too.
For me, when I put up my Christmas tree I am reminded of my parents, my friend Wendy's mom, my brother, and my sister. They are all wrapped up in my tree and I am fuller because of it. When I unwrap the stuffed Santa that Ginger made with such precision I am transformed into the 9 year old who spent every day after school at her house with her daughter Wendy. She was entirely kind - never seeming to mind the intrusion - never asking for anything other than a playmate for her daughter.
Then, of course, there is the music and traditions that are carried through the season. Most of them have lost their intentional meaning - there is no Jesus in my house - but the sparkle of the lights is delightful. Last night I ventured out to my husband trying to remember when I realized there was no Santa. I don't remember when it happened and I don't remember being upset about it. Then I remembered that my husband never even had Santa. He took that tradition of mine and brought it with great joy to our daughter. He relishes the delight at Santa's cookies, presents from the big C and stockings - things he never really had.
The holidays are such a fusion of those we love, traditions from our childhoods and new ideas. I love that we are flexible to remember our past, but able to bring changes that fit our family now.
For those looking for some new traditions here is a great post!
