Are your holiday traditions getting a makeover this year?
As the festive season unfurls its traditional garlands, some of us are rolling up those ribbons, choosing a path less sprinkled with tinsel. This year, the closest I’ve come to a Christmas tree was passing a pine-scented car freshener on the way to Napa, California, where the holiday spirit is accented not by a towering pine but by a slender, tall, white Christmas tree—a chic twist courtesy of my sister, the host. It seems even holiday trees are Californians now.
Rethinking Holiday Traditions?
The holidays are evolving from a time of expected customs to opportunities for genuine connection and simplicity. Illa Lynn, a transformation life coach and Kuel Life’s Thought Leader on dating, extends the spirit of the season throughout the year with her charitable efforts. “We choose a new charity every year,” she explains, “focusing not just on the holidays but on making a difference all year long.” For Illa, this has meant everything from monetary donations to acts of service, like using her skills to help others when funds were tight.
One year, her family used their holiday budget to buy furniture and essentials for a family transitioning from living in a garage to an apartment. “While our own gifting season looked different, knowing someone had the basics brought us incredible joy,” Illa recalls. Her quiet acts of kindness are a testament to the true spirit of giving.The holidays are evolving from a time of expected customs to opportunities for genuine connection and simplicity.
Janine Vanderburg, a key player in leading the anti-ageism initiative has ditched the frantic gift hunt for meaningful gatherings, choosing travel and personal connections over material gifts—because nothing says ‘happy holidays’ like not having to vacuum pine needles.
Her family gathers annually in a favorite Mexican fishing village, skipping presents altogether. “Travel is our gift to each other,” Janine says. At home, the simplification continues: instead of a 12-foot tree, she decorates a sprig of holly from her yard and gifts bags of homemade Chex Mix and wine from her husband’s vineyard. Even her social calendar reflects her focus on connection. Instead of hosting large parties, Janine opts for smaller gatherings, like tamale dinners or meet-ups to see Denver’s Union Station decked out in lights. “It’s all about really connecting with people I care about,” she reflects, a sentiment echoed in her simplified yet meaningful celebrations.
Home for the Holidays: A Novel Approach:
Contrasting with her usual nomadic lifestyle, Jannette Anderson, the Maturepreneur Maverick, known for her mobile, ‘Polyhomerous’ life, chooses this year to stay put. Typically, Jannette spends the holidays in warm, exotic locations, but this Christmas, she’s hosting dinner at home. “I’m both mourning and excited,” she admits. Staying home offers her a rare chance to reflect and prepare for personal and professional growth in the year ahead. “This season feels like a stretch—outside of my comfort zone—but in the best way.”
A Napa Holiday: Less Pomp, More Presence:
Here in Napa, motivated by the desire to be close to loved ones and manage the chaos of holiday travel, we’ve scaled back on the traditional trappings. My sister’s slender white Christmas tree, adorned with elegant ornaments, was the festive centerpiece, replacing the towering evergreens of years past. The absence of a lush pine is hardly noticed when laughter fills the room.
Coordinating everyone’s arrival under one snug roof was no small feat, with flights delayed and luggage lost, but these minor hiccups only added to the charm. As we finally gathered, the beauty of letting go of expectations became clear—we leaned into the moment, embracing the chaos and the joy.
Delays and disruptions are part of the journey, but they can’t dim the holiday spirit, which thankfully doesn’t charge for extra baggage. Simplifying our celebration has allowed us to focus on what truly enriches us: the love and connection we share.
Meanwhile, UK-based, business and health consultant Alison Taylor reflects on a tradition she’d like to adopt in the future—an Icelandic Christmas Eve spent with warm drinks, cozy pajamas, and a new book to read. “It sounds like the perfect blend of quiet reflection and indulgence,” she says. This year, however, her holiday is livelier, with young grandchildren bringing endless energy to the festivities.
Embracing New Holiday Traditions With Open Arms:
For those pondering a shake-up of their own holiday traditions, consider what truly brings you joy. Is it the quiet reflection Alison seeks, or the animated buzz of family reunions? Perhaps it’s using the season to give back, like Illa, or creating intimate moments, like Janine. Whatever it is, let it guide your holiday spirit.
This season, challenge the conventional. Create new traditions that truly reflect what matters most. It’s not about the spectacle but the shared experiences and the memories we create together.
Happy holidays to all! May your celebrations be merry, bright, and refreshingly unconventional.
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