Tradition – the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way.

Habit – a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up.

Happenstance – coincidence.

I’ve been thinking a lot about these three words and how they apply to the holiday season. Regardless of what you celebrate this time of year, I imagine there are things that you tend to do BECAUSE it’s this time of year.

Hallmark movies. Cookie baking. Caroling. Crafting. Card sending. Buying, wrapping, exchanging gifts. Traveling. Visiting friends and family. Feasting. Did I mention Hallmark movies?

My question is, in your experience, which of your holiday plans are Tradition, which are Habit, and which occur by Happenstance during the season?

What do you retain from your youth and what have you implemented new? Will old traditions carry on, will new habits become tradition, or do celebratory actions come and go in a more transitory way as opportunities arise or circumstances change?

Please share your traditions with me.
Please offer up your opinion on holiday habits.
What’s the best thing you’ve done during this time of year that you’ve only done once?

And as long as you’re reminiscing and sharing stories, don’t forget to send a brief write-up for the Thanks, Gifts, and Giving post.

HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON, may your days be merry, essentially stress-free, and rife with all the things you love (old and new).