Studio Files .02
Traditions, embracing change and the best gifts I'm giving this year.
Tradition : noun. the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way.
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about tradition this year. What it means, how / why they came to be, how to hold space for what has been - while also embracing what’s new.
Traditions are often passed wordlessly. Something you observed as a child, becoming the norm and expectation for the rest of your days. A traditional holiday menu, the family recipe, Christmas Eve pajamas - whatever your traditions - they help to tie us to our roots and ancestors. Rooted in nostalgia, bridging a gap to our family and belief system - no matter where or how we’ve celebrated in the past.
This nostalgia is, I think, what makes this season so hectic and rife with emotion.
The pressure to plan and execute these traditions brings stress and extra work.
The sadness of who or what is no longer a part of our celebrations feels extra heavy.
The expectation of perfection put so many of us close to a breaking point.
This Amy Weatherly quote sums up so much of what we’re collectively feeling this season.
Hope, joy, celebration, love AND loneliness, stress, sadness, longing.
ALL have come for their annual visit to our holiday table. Let us breathe, hug and show love through it all, for all of our people.
It’s only fitting this word should be top of mind for me this year. It’s our first Christmas in our new home, in our new city, with our newly blended family. Any one of those news would be A LOT and in a beautiful life twist, we’re experiencing them all in one year!
In this season of joy and celebration alongside the inevitable flurry and chaos, I’m questioning what traditions to keep, and what to introduce. In a year that looks nothing like the years prior - how to honor the past and build to the new. Giving myself and my people grace and love as we all adjust and bend to these new rituals we’re creating.
A sentiment I’ll likely be taking into 2025 and beyond…
Things that are bringing me ease in this season :
My morning routine. There is nothing quite like an easy and predictable morning routine to set the tone for my day. For me, this looks like 10 deep breaths and some quiet reflection, still cozy in bed, as I transition to waking time. Then I switch into morning mom mode until I drop my daughter at school, and then return home to reclaim my morning. I journal, read, drink coffee in quiet, and fit in a workout in the first few hours - before switching gears to art / work mode. This time feels like a treat to myself - some time to fill my tank before I start creating. Much has been written about the benefits of a morning routine, and I can attest to its power.
Helping others. My daughter and I have enjoyed getting to know our new hometown by volunteering with several local non-profits. We’re looking forward to working with a local animal shelter over the break, walking dogs, cleaning cages, trying not to bring home a new family member.
No-stress gift giving. I find myself giving the same types of gifts, on repeat. Because - let’s face it - most of us need nothing. I prefer to focus on experiences or functional gifts that will be used throughout the year ahead. Things I return to again and again : the best splurgy olive oil, my most favorite make-up find of the year, quirky socks for her or for him, a new journal, a gift card for a beauty treatment or favorite meal out.
Your Turn, Dear Friend.
As one of my goals with Studio Files is to be IN COMMUNITY with you, it’s time for our little community to get to know each other. Periodically, I’ll be prompting you to join in the conversation (comment below) so we can all get to know each other better!
For this first round, I’d love to know your name, and what tradition you cherish most about the holiday season?
My favorite holiday tradition is themed Christmas tree decorating in our 1926 Tudor/Craftsman home. We have multiple trees in the house, but the two trees prominently visible in windows, and flanking our front porch, belong one to my son and the other to my daughter. Each year, I let them pick a theme for their tree, and I decorate accordingly. On Christmas Eve, Santa then leaves gifts for each child under his/her respective tree. This year my daughter wanted a tree with all things green; so, in complimentary opposition, my son has a tree featuring all things red. I think they love this tradition as much as I do. Happy holidays to all! May your traditions carry you with light and love through the season.
My favorite holiday tradition is opening presents and heading to the mountain to ski. The snow and crisp weather that a Montana winter brings give a sense of peace and a slower pace, which I appreciate, especially heading into a new year. Wishing you all the best in 2025!