by W. Diane Van Zwol

Created on: November 19, 2010

On Holiday Season Traditions

It is possible to create a new family holiday tradition. Sometimes, it is a really good idea too. 

Are your traditional, holiday season practices conducive to good health? The holiday season is full of wonderful traditions of various kinds, depending upon how, or where it is celebrated. One important aspect of tradition, always involves the question of how to stay healthy, during the holiday season.

One must suggest that traditions normally evolve over time and may differ considerably, from place to place. What represents a healthy tradition for one person, couple, family or community, may not be a healthy tradition for others.

There are numerous variables found with regard to different traditions and each one can present a health-related concern, in some way. Of course, traditional lifestyles and patterns of behavior, are not easy to change, but over the generations, as people become more knowledgeable and increasingly informed about the importance of their health and the health of others, changes can and do take place.

It is possible for you and your family to introduce change, or to bring about a change in tradition, particularly if it leads to a positive change in your health status, or that of others. 

It is important to examine the traditional lifestyles of those around you and your family, particularly where it concerns the holiday season and holiday celebrations. If, or when it does not appear, that there is a traditional lifestyle that is healthy, in all respects, including the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical aspects of it, then it may be time for a change.

Certainly, those locked into traditional, holiday season lifestyles, may object. If everyone is patient and there is justification for change, particularly for health reasons, then a relatively painless, change in tradition may be effected.

Begin by identifying the unhealthy, holiday season traditions, particularly with regard to the holiday season lifestyles of those who you know and love. You and your family can be instrumental in leading and guiding others into a more healthy, holiday season tradition. Tradition is important, but healthy lifestyle traditions are far more important, so become a leader and effect change, wherever it is  needed.     

Whatever you choose to do with respect to traditions, choose something that is healthy for everyone. Maybe make a trip to the mountains and play in the snow. Find a mountain peak to climb, or a new road to travel. Maybe just stay at home and enjoy an amaryllis!

In doing so, you could be creating a whole new family tradition.

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