Tradition binds families and connects people throughout generations. The heart of a culture lives within its shared traditions.
The United States offers a uniquely freeing tradition that allows individuality to shine strong while also heralding tradition, especially during the holiday season. Places of worship are protected, as are the various religious people who celebrate the power of their faith every day, yet even though millions of Americans flock to different churches, synagogues and other spaces to connect with their God, the shared spirit of love and peace is felt all around.
This is fostered and carried on through the events we all look forward to every December. Getting out for all the wondrous moments, sharing music and passing on recipes host a special magic that strengthens our bonds.
Community events brighten everyone’s season this time of year. Whether attending a tree lighting ceremony or going through a modern drive-through light display, there is something for everyone.
I’ve been a fan and frequented multiple since becoming a mother, and even found that alongside the signs of “Merry Christmas,” lighted menorahs and peace signs have stood to welcome everyone together. This reminder proves that the American tradition is about celebrating everyone and the traditions that put faith first no matter how we pray.
In my area, the historic district hosts an annual Los Posados event. It is a traditional Mexican live nativity procession, where audience members walk toward the stage with Mary and Joseph holding candles to light their way. It is a powerful group activity, and everyone sings Christmas songs together once reaching the stage. Anyone can walk with the procession and sing. I’m not Mexican, and my faith journey has a long history, but this event is so powerful you can feel the love swelling in the air, encompassing everyone who lifts up their voice.
Music is a universal tradition. Singing classic Christmas carols has long been a part of American Christmas traditions because anyone can sing them, anytime, anywhere. There is no law restricting people of different faiths from sharing lyrics. I know plenty of Christians who love The Chanukah Song by Adam Sandler. It’s about fun and love and faith. Those are all elements that embody the holiday spirit, and they bring out the best in everyone.
Some of my favorite memories from childhood are Christmas caroling with my grandmother on Saint Nick’s Day. She loved getting the family together so we could serenade her neighborhood. The neighbors became so accustomed to it that they anticipated us each year.
Now that I’m a mother of five, we go out and sing carols in our backyard every year. The world may be different, and people don’t open their doors unexpectedly as much as they used to, but keeping traditions alive sometimes means allowing them to change with time.
Of course, some traditions require a specific recipe. If “food is love” (as the saying goes), holiday baking is the epitome of affection. Passing on family recipes and sharing special moments with our children in the kitchen gifts them more than just sweet memories–it shows them how to step into our place and celebrate their heritage when we are gone.
Each year, my family anticipates my mother-in-law’s famous Christmas cookies. She bakes dozens and dozens: peanut butter, chocolate-covered, cookies with candies inside and on top, and every year, my husband watches the mail like a kid awaiting Santa Claus because he knows that a box full of his mother’s famous Christmas cookies will be arriving from 500 miles away.
Although my family didn’t have many special food traditions, learning from the traditions of others has also helped me to find my way in the kitchen. I learned that I love making everything from scratch. So each year, I bake fresh gingerbread and then the kids, my husband, and I build and decorate gingerbread houses however we want. Best of all, since the cookies are fresh and homemade, we get to eat our gingerbread neighborhood throughout the season.
There's nothing like time with the kids
— Jessica Marie Baumgartner (@jessmbaum) December 16, 2023
You never regret a second spent with them. #momlife #parenting #gingerbread pic.twitter.com/ufZw4h1iBC
These traditions come together to give us the comfort and joy needed to better connect with God and appreciate life. They fulfill our desire to share love and create peace. Best of all they allow us to leave a lasting legacy for the next generation.
