Holiday Traditions

The English word "tradition" comes from the Latin traditio, the noun from the verb traderere or tradere (to transmit, to hand over, to give for safekeeping)  I like that, “safekeeping.”

Every person, every family has traditions.  Some are common and “usual” and some are unique, special and very much time honored.  Normally handed down for “safekeeping” the tradition ongoing.

In my family, growing up, the day that we ALWAYS were together was on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.  Christmas day was only for playing with the toys!  In Jonathans family, the Carleton family tradition is that Christmas Eve the family gathers for gift exchange for the kids and we share a light meal or heavy snacks.  It is a time for catching up and checking in with each other.  Christmas morning is a time that the kids rush down to begin to open their gifts AND… “we older kids” get to open the stockings that we prepared for each other.

At Thanksgiving, our home in Omaha becomes an open door for an eclectic group of people I call family.  Friends, friends of friends and people who in that moment need a safe place with others to be in community (family if you will) and just be.  That is a very important day and “space” to me.  I consider it a most Sacred day.  It is about sharing what you have, even if it is your last dinner roll.

This Christmas Jonathan and I will travel to Connecticut to be with the Carleton family.  It really is one trip that I always look so forward to.  I get so “hungry” to be with the kids, catch up with family and just sit in the middle of it all and take it in.  It ALMOST makes me want to move to the East coast to be around it all the time.  I know, that life isn’t that easy…

Consider what your personal traditions are, your family traditions.  Is it time for a new one?  Is it time to restart one that you have stopped? 

We can be the change we seek in this world, and in ourselves.  One day.  One journey.  One person.  One tradition at a time.

Royal D. Bush serves as Interfaith Chaplain.  He has studied at Andersonville Theological Seminary, and the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling.  He also holds a Bachelor Degree in business administration. He is available for premarital coaching, couples coaching, life coaching, and pastoral care in the Nebraska and Iowa area.

Inclusive Life offers both nondenominational and nonreligious care-serving all, without exception!  Inclusive Life offers Wedding Ministers, Premarital Coaching, Couples Coaching, Funeral Ministers, End of Life Planning, and Pastoral Care. To reach Chaplain Royal or Chaplain Beth please email info@inclusivelife.org OR phone 402-575-7006. Omaha Weddings, Omaha Counseling, Omaha Funerals