Traditions May Have To Fall
It is very often difficult to break with tradition, especially during the holidays. However, if you're hosting a holiday gathering and you have a budget to consider, you may have to step on some toes. I won't say it's going to be easy. The struggle may be internal, in your own mind. Or, the struggle may be external, family members telling you that you “simply can't” skip Grandma's special six-hour-twelve-layer-dessert that costs as much to make as Junior's orthodontist bill.
Personal feelings can play a big part in these traditions. If you break the news to the family that this year you don't want to cook something or do something that you usually do, and you're met with shrieks and tears, then suggest that someone go ahead and take on that particular tradition. You don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but be honest. Then, if someone wants to take up the mantle, by all means, let them. Everyone wins, tradition is intact if someone feels it should be, and you are off the hook for the expense. And remember, not everyone in the family is necessarily in love with the tradition that you've been trying to figure out how to eliminate from your plans. Do a fact-check in your family and find out before you spend the money and time on something nobody really wants.
Brainstorming New Traditions
If you and your family agree that a tradition must be lovingly set adrift, it is time to begin anew. This is where everything starts getting interesting, and fun. It's time to get everyone on board and start brainstorming. So the question is put to the family; If we're going to let go of the huge meal and all the other expense surrounding a holiday, what do we replace it with?
Christmas dinner in Sweden (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
But, don't stop there. How would you like to host a beach party for Christmas? Or a picnic for Thanksgiving? Or a traveling meal, going between a few houses instead of one person responsible for the entire meal? The brainstorming session is all about throwing ideas on the table for everyone to consider. Let your thoughts run wild and have fun with this new experience.
You Don't Have To Do It Again
Now that you are excited about brainstorming new ideas, it's time to remind everyone that even THIS new tradition doesn't have to be a tradition. Next year you may forget the theme and just have hot sandwiches and movies. The following year maybe you will host a Christmas breakfast instead of dinner. Nothing is written in stone – even traditions.
The idea is that if you have the privilege of hosting a holiday gathering for your family and friends, then you have the say about exactly what sort of event it will be. Are you going to tote out Grandma's celery seed biscuits again, and throw them all out again, or are you going to get creative?
You don't have to stick to traditions when they don't work for your budget. And when you try new traditions, you don't have to do it again. Don't let traditions dictate your budget. Find a way to break free and enjoy what's really important – spending time with people you love and having some fun!
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