Papa in Fiddler on the Roof, belts out ‘Tradition’ and then with dialogue and song explores some of the common practices of his village. The roles were clearly defined, the requirements for eating, dressing, sleeping and working all stemmed from traditions. He asks ‘ how did it get started?’ and with a shrug and a chuckle admits ‘ I don’t know!’. That can be said for many, if not most, of the traditions we carry forth.

 The Christmas tree should not be set up or decorated until the Saturday evening before the First Sunday of Advent, a law according to Ed. I understood that a bit when we cut and hauled in a live tree. But then, the tree was required to stay until at least the sixth of January. With falling needles it made more sense to get it up earlier and take it down right after New Year’s, at the latest! Tradition won, until the decision of when to put up the tree rested solely on my shoulders. And this year, I have chosen not to put a tree up at all. 

Scratch tradition! A custom that developed under my reign was blue lights, on the tree and around the home. Blue, for me, is a peaceful, tranquil colour, calling me home. I have put that custom away as well. The  blue LED lights on a tree bother my head, just like fluorescent lights do.

There are no lights on the outside of my home either. After downsizing and estate tidying I don’t want one more thing for anyone to look after. My grandson assures that putting up the lights- and they would have to be in a perfectly straight line- is not a problem, and then taking them down, whenever- would also not be a problem. I am now challenged to think through why I don’t want them or come up with better excuses/reasons!

 Christmas Baking! Now there’s a tradition I can embrace. I have made the fruit cake, it has ripened, I have sampled, and all is well. I made a family favourite, date filled oatmeal cookies, the kind you roll out and sandwich when cool. I was thrilled to have my great grand think they were good enough to have a second (I don’t make them huge) and I smile to think that this tradition may go another generation. I used to make many sugar cookies, in many shapes and with attention to decorating. I’ve not been moved that far…yet.

And then there is the music. One must have carols playing softly in the background. Not so much anymore. Music was a major (get the pun?) part of our family life. There were concerts to practice for and preparations for programs at care homes, there was singing for pleasure. Several times I have selected holiday music and too quickly become distracted. So, I don’t need background noise. I will enjoy every concert and service I attend.

Start a new tradition, enjoy an old one. And when asked ‘how did it get started?’ it’s okay to reply ‘ I don’t know’. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas.