This Sunday morning’s coffee chat is all about winter and holiday traditions. I love traditions and think that they are important to have. I titled this chat article “winter and holiday traditions” because that is the time of year we are in and this is when a lot of traditions happen. Having said that, having certain rituals and traditions don’t necessarily have anything to do with religion. People do have specific things they do for their religion every year but you shouldn’t feel that you can’t enjoy your own traditions if don’t celebrate a certain holiday or are more spiritual than religious. Even if you’re not, you still can have your own rituals and traditions that you can enjoy this time of the year. You already have certain traditions that you may not even be aware of such as eating at the same restaurant for your birthday every year, or traveling to the same place during the off season every year.

   I think having family traditions is very important. For me, it gives me a great sense of comfort especially if I’m going through stressful or hard times in my life. I grew up with certain traditions from my parents and it’s something that I want to enjoy continuing in my life and can hopefully one day pass them on to my own family. What are some of the traditions you grew up with? What are some good memories that they gave you? If you didn’t grow up having a lot of warm memories or traditions for whatever reason, don’t let that discourage you. Start your own! Create your own rituals and traditions that make you happy that you can do every year. The most important thing is being happy!

   Even though I’m into scary horror and sensual burlesque and make crazy art, I’m very wholesome in the sense of having traditions, especially family holiday ones. For the winter holiday season I definitely have my fun and comforting things that I do every year. Here are my main traditions that I do the same time every year. Of course, I light my menorah for the eight nights of Hanukkah, spin dreidels, and open a present each night with my hubby. I also celebrate Yule which is the Winter Solstice. After doing these, there are also a few other things that we do every year.

  One major tradition that I do with my husband every year is the two of us wearing our Hanukkah sweaters, (which you saw in my previous Hanukkah post), get into the car, stop at a coffee shop to grab a holiday coffee drink or hot cocoa, and drive around looking at the Christmas lights and decorations on the houses. I also love looking at the decorated trees that are displayed in the windows. Even though I don’t celebrate Christmas, I always went light looking with my parents and brother and it’s still something I love doing and will always love doing that. My husband and I actual went last night and did that and had so much fun.

   One of my other fun holiday traditions is that I HAVE TO WATCH certain seasonal holiday films each year. And I have to watch them with certain people. For example, my husband is allowed to choose pretty much any movie for us to watch as long as we watch, “Muppets Christmas Carol,” “Elf,” and of course, “Krampus.” Those are a must.

   Now again even though my family doesn’t celebrate Christmas, on Christmas Eve day, I go to my folks and stay over for Christmas day. During that time, my mom and I order a fabulous charcuterie tray, have champagne, and watch, “Love Actually,” “Meet me in St. Louis,” and “Frozen.”

   Those are my fun wholesome winter holiday traditions. What are some of your traditions and fun things you enjoy doing during this time of the year? I’d love to know. Whatever you all do, I hope you all have a beautiful winter and a wonderful holiday season! 

                                                    XoXo