The moment hit as the fire was crackling, the egg nog was chilled and we sat staring at the bags of presents under the tree soon to be revealed, but that’s not where our attention went this evening because….
It was ELF NIGHT and the memories were not going to make themselves!
Except this time there was no fire crackling and the tree was make-shifted from plants due to lack of space… but the tradition itself continued from a decade ago when we were still living in our childhood home.
It’s a memory from the past that we get to recreate and remember each year; that the holiday season with my immediate family is launched with “Elf” on the big screen.
We have beaten on the power of traditions on dozens of blogs so far, from the power of a morning routine to annual planning like our AGM. We believe traditions are critical for keeping the bonds in family tied tighter with each passing year through life’s spontaneous challenges that ultimately arise.
As Tom says,
“Traditions are important as they give you and your family a sense of belonging and stability. They give you something to look forward to and something to ground you in a busy world that has more demands than time.”
I polled the Full Circle team to see what brings their families closer in the holiday season and here are some of the unique traditions that are celebrated:
“The kids open a board game and new jammy’s on Christmas Eve and we play the game together as a family.”
- Tom Preston
“ Cinnamon buns last thing Christmas eve and first thing Christmas morning! ”
- Bobbi Wright
“ a VACATION!”
- Jay Breitlow
“ Normally Santa brings something crazy….. like nerf guns and an epic battle ensues. Watch out for Grandpa cause he has wicked aim!”
- Frazer Smith
“The kids all get new jammies Christmas eve and a Christmas movie and we watch one of them together.”
–Catherine Kirk
That is just the team here at Full Circle but there are thousands of American and Canadian Christmas traditions that are stored in the hearts and minds of everyone.
One thing to note is that it is never too late or too early to start a new tradition. Just like anything, reflect on how the tradition is serving you and how it is helping to bring the family together.
We encourage the act of BEING over the holidays rather than DOING and create traditions to generate rare intimacy in a world of cellular distraction..
Here’s to a Happy Holiday to all of you from the Full Circle family!