Traditions

Tradition, as defined by Merriam-Webster:

1a :  an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (as a religious practice or a social custom)b :  a belief or story or a body of beliefs or stories relating to the past that are commonly accepted as historical though not verifiable

2 :  the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction

3 :  cultural continuity in social attitudes, customs, and institutions

4 :  characteristic manner, method, or style <in the best liberal tradition>

The holidays seem to bring about the carrying out of traditions.  We all have fond and not-so-fond memories tied to this time of year.  Food and laughter are the fond memories but getting in a car to travel from relative to relative may include the not-so-fond.  Or maybe you were forced to wear ugly Christmas sweaters or my most dreaded as a little girl...having to wear tights and a dress and sometime bows in my hair...oh, and that it is always freezing cold and windy in Pennsylvania in December.

Traditions are meaningful no doubt.  They create a sense of community, fellowship, and legacy.  However, I dare you to think about your family's traditions and if they are meaningful or something you do on autopilot.  Even more difficult is meshing your tradition with a partner's tradition.  And if you are pregnant...now what?  How do you go about celebrating?  Will you create your own traditions, keep some of the old, or just go all-out old stuff and please all of your extended family members only to feel resentful and exhausted come January 2017?

If I may offer unsolicited advice...think about all this while pregnant!  Why?  Well, I suppose I have been expected to uphold certain traditions that are not meaningful to me nor to my husband.  In addition, we both work in healthcare and have worked on holidays.  We love and respect our family members.  But at the end of the day, we need to do what is "right" for our own family of five. 

So, be joyful and merry and avoid any confusions regarding holiday planning...decide before your little miracle appears!

Be well and be merry,

MLC