Maintaining the holiday magic and joy, celebrating holidays in a traditional way this season will be the right choice. This will help this year feel a bit more “normal.”
Let’s face it, there’s a reason why these traditions have become traditions in the first place.
There’s a reason why, during Hanukkah, Jewish families will say prayers while lighting the menorah and enjoy potato latkes and sufganiyot (fried doughnuts) and why Americans eat turkey for Thanksgiving.
There’s a reason why, during Christmas, Christians will sing carols with lines such as “glory to the newborn king” and why people of the Hindu, Sikh and Jain background celebrate Diwali by cleaning and decorating with diyas and rangoli art.
With tradition, comes longevity. These traditions are traditions because they are proven to last and be passed down from generation to generation.
Of course, there is also the argument to be made that many of these traditions also stem from the base of each person’s religion and it could be seen as disrespectful to break from those traditions.
In cases such as this, altering the holiday wouldn’t be in their best interest.
Additionally, many of these holiday traditions are beloved by generations of people and are a good way to connect across age groups.
When it comes to choosing to do newer, different things, some older people may not like straying from tradition. By sticking to tradition, you can keep the peace and avoid an awkward family get-together.
The biggest advantage to maintaining tradition is to keep the holiday spirit strong. When people picture the holiday season, they picture the big, traditional decorations, food and games that one would see in a Hallmark movie.
The glowing lights (whether they’re in the form of a tree, menorah or diyas), the snow falling, the beautifully wrapped presents; this is what brings the holiday magic to life. How can one be sure that you could get the same feeling from straying from tradition?
Plus, let’s face it, this year will not be the same as any other year. Many of us cannot see family and friends. We’ll be missing the true spirit that all of these holidays share: togetherness.
Since we can’t be together like in years past, it’s all the more important that we stick to a traditional holiday celebration. Everyone is struggling to hold onto the holiday spirit that is fading to begin with; it’s only going to get worse if we don’t commit to the classic holiday celebrations.
Now more than ever, we need tradition to keep the magic going.