Inviting in New Traditions this Holiday Season
Inviting in New Traditions this Holiday Season
Families, people, and friends sprinkled across the U.S. are taking this post-pandemic time in history to reflect on holiday traditions, values and their importance. New and old traditions are being welcomed while questing for holiday cheer.
James and Louise Wesley, a semi-retired couple residing in San Diego, California depict one example of taking a different path or experimenting with tradition this year. James and Louise are avid travelers who ignite their passions, joy, ease, and happiness together on the road. James and Louise feel alive when traveling and immersing themselves in something new. They have family and friends in Ellicottville and love to visit. In the past handful of decades, James and Louise have celebrated the holidays in the desert and self-proclaim themselves “desert rats.” Let us hear about their spin on the holidays.
LAURA: What new tradition will you be experimenting with this holiday season?
JAMES: We wanted to try something new this year. (With a grin, he remarks)… I used good ole google and searched “white Christmas.” NYC and Taos, New Mexico were top on the list. We wanted the white Christmas vibe. We grew up in Canada where snow was Christmas. We haven’t had a white Christmas since we were kids. We hope to x-country ski, indulge a bit with unique cuisine menu items, and enrich ourselves in a different culture nested in the hills of New Mexico. We also wanted to celebrate the traditional celebratory meaning of Christmas with Taos rejoicing the birth of Christ.
LAURA: What brightens your spirit when thinking about or planning this holiday?
LOUISE: We have a sense of excitement and anticipation. We reconnect with each other on the road. We love trains and have decided to head east by way of Amtrak, departing from San Diego and arriving in Santa Fe.
JAMES: We love the timelessness of train travel. The experience is very peaceful and meditative for us. There is no pressure with time. Time just does not have a hold on us. Trains resemble a wave of calm and peace for us. A few traditions honored in Taos are: a procession of the Virgin Mary in the Pueblo accompanied by bonfires, deer dancing, los matachines dancing, tribal turtle dancing, and sacred ceremonies.
LAURA: What old traditions will you celebrate?
LOUISE: We plan to have holiday meals with friends and family members outside the Christmas season. We love to decorate our tree, send Christmas cards doting on our grandchildren from a distance, facetime with family on Christmas day, dress up as Santa and Mrs. Claus, and attend holiday events in the San Diego region, such as Holidays Nights at Balboa Park - a holiday must!
LAURA: Do you have any advice for readers who are perhaps looking for something different this holiday season?
JAMES: Experiment. There is a heartfelt sense in doing something you always wanted to do. You can connect with loved ones, as well as hitting the road to fill your cup. Find the meaning for you. Follow your heart, be open to change, and be flexible. Find the peace, calm, and joy.”
Laura Widger is a NY State Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 15 years of experience in the field of emotional wellness and mental health. She owns and operates Inner Peace and Strength - Mental and Emotional Health, and specializes in trauma healing with children and adults. She lives in Cattaraugus County with her husband, children, and German short haired dog. Laura personally and professionally strives to promote internal self leadership and the discovery of true genuineness and balance within.