Holiday traditions build strong bonds between families, a sense of belonging, communities and self-expression.
Vintage Ornaments
Historically inspired or antique ornaments create a valued step back in time. Seek authentic vintage balls and bulbs at antique stores, or opt for retro looks with newer versions. Celebrate hidden-away childhood ornaments; pause and enjoy each memory they represent while hanging them.
Give Out Gelt
Gelt is the Yiddish word for "money." During the 16th century Hanukkah, it became a tradition to collect money to buy or make clothing for school pupils in need. By the 19th century, Eastern Europe Jewish families gave coins to their children. During the 1920s, American confectioners made chocolate Hanukkah gelt wrapped in gold foil, which remains its primary form. Consider getting bags of chocolate gelt to share with neighbors, co-workers and groups, as a sign of goodwill and a chance to strike up heartfelt conversations.
Family Recipes
If childhood holiday traditions included baking with Grandma or Grandpa, then replicate those comforting dishes, cookies or perhaps gingerbread houses. Lovingly pull out those stained recipe cards and have fun making finger foods or yummies that never lasted long on holiday buffets. Or, try something like 1960s gelatin-infused molds driven by Jell-O/Cool Whip creations.
Observe Kwanzaa's Seven Symbols
Each day of celebration, Dec. 26 through Jan. 1, is dedicated to one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa: unity (umoja in Swahili), self-determination (kujichagulia), collective responsibility (ujima), cooperative economics (ujamaa), purpose (nia), creativity (kuumba) and faith (imani). Discuss with family and friends what each principle means to you.
Pomanders
Radiate an old-fashioned holiday with a bowl of clove-studded oranges. These bright decorations are pretty, and smell just like how holidays should smell. Pomanders are easy to make by pricking holes in citrus rind to insert cloves. Year after year, this tradition will deliver that always-at-home Christmas aroma, no matter the location.
Yule Logs
Steeped in centuries of Christmas lore, this practice started as the crackling log burned in home hearths before trickling into kitchens. The Yule Log cake was originally a French custom that emerged in the 1800s. Made of sponge cake to resemble an actual Yule log, this delectable dessert is similar to a Swiss roll on the inside to mimic the rings of trees.
Natural Garland
Pop the corn to string the garland; some add cranberries. Better yet, pick up Jiffy popcorn prepackaged pans (originated in 1959) especially for this! An old-fashioned tree will feel complete with handmade touches like this one. Show creativity while slowing the hectic holiday pace for a spell. This tradition started on outdoor trees to give wildlife a treat, too.
Pull Crackers
These festive, tubular table decorations, originating in London during 1847, make snapping sounds when pulled open, and typically contain a small gift, paper hat and joke.
Note: Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, was observed Nov. 12 this year.