“Tradition is a guide and not a jailer.”
― W. Somerset Maugham

More than any other time of year, the days between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day call us to tradition and ritual. Some of that is comforting and heartwarming – remembering meals, decorations, songs, and gatherings from happy years past. And much is worth preserving; it’s a joy to pass down traditions from generation to generation.

This year, though, circumstances have called on me to be open to changing things up: Thanksgiving, which has traditionally been a meal celebrated at my home, will take place at a dear friend’s house. Christmas Eve and day will include my immediate family, but will expand to embrace an additional cast of characters. New Year’s Eve has yet to be planned, but will no doubt bring more departures from tradition. Part of me resists. Keeping things the same year after year is safe and soothing. But it’s also unrealistic and a tad boring. So I am challenging myself to accept the changes with good spirit and look for new customs to incorporate into my collection.

One of the biggest changes I’m feeling about the holidays is feeling a keener pleasure in sharing moments instead of things. Giving gifts is still a wonderful way to acknowledge the important people in our lives, but spending time with them is an even greater gift.

I wish you the happiest of holidays, filled with earthly pleasures to please the body and quiet, mindful moments to soothe the mind and spirit. As the year comes to a close, I am reminded of how blessed I am to be doing something I love and how grateful I am to have the opportunity to serve my community. Thanks to all of you for reading, distributing and advertising in Natural Awakenings. Our expansion over the past few years is a direct reflection of the dynamism of this area and the people working within it. Every page is infused with intention and created with this specific community in mind; your response to our work tells us we’re on the right track. Thank you!

With love and light, and my warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday season and New Year,

Ana