I’m sure life has been even more crazy busy than usual as Christmas preparations are finalised and the year comes to a close. Holidays and Christmas close downs can be a frantic time of wrapping up and closing down, of ticking off those lists in preparation for what needs to be done, in whatever way that shows up for you and the traditions that are yours.

Over recent years my traditions have changed. For a long time, I was able to blend the traditional German Christmas on Christmas Eve with the traditional Australian one on Christmas Day. It worked well for a long time. Over the last few years, life has changed and things are done differently, I’ve been creating new traditions. The focus on gifts has been exchanged for the focus on being together. This is the time we all come together. The idea of a Kris Kringle gift makes for interesting and creative gifts. As children appear on the scene once more there is permission to be a child again, to relive the innocence and surprise of Santa Claus and to share the joys of our own childhood. As Mum ages, it’s about helping out and contributing as we all realize it’s not just down to one person anymore. We all want to contribute to this special time of family and whoever is there is considered family. The dynamics change as the family grows and changes.

Keeping traditions alive is an important part of life. They are great connectors, uniting us together in a single purpose; whether you agree with that purpose or not doesn’t matter – respecting them does. I love the carol-singing tradition – it’s one of those joyful traditions for me. Bringing new traditions to life is just as important and they too are great connectors, uniting us together in new ways. As life evolves and family grows traditions are a way to bring ceremony for all to be included.

Whatever your Christmas tradition may be, whether time-honored and traditional or a new one being established, I wish you and yours a happy and safe Christmas 2016.