Unwrapping New Traditions: Creating Holidays That Reflect Who You Are Now

The holidays used to look very different for me. As a child, they were filled with family, big meals, and traditions I didn’t realize I was too young to appreciate fully. But as I’ve grown, the holidays have become less about the way things used to be and more about how I want them to feel now.

In the past, I would try to cling to old ways of celebrating, even if they no longer resonated. But over time, I learned something important: creating new traditions doesn’t mean forgetting the past. It’s about honoring where you’ve been while also embracing who you are today.

This holiday season, I’m focusing on joy, simplicity, and moments that feel meaningful to me. Whether I’m baking my grandmother’s sweet potato pie (a tradition I’ll never give up) or setting aside quiet time to reflect, this is my way of celebrating—and it’s enough.

Why Evolving Traditions Matters

As women, we’re often the memory-keepers of holidays—whether it’s passing down family recipes, hosting gatherings, or recreating traditions from our childhoods. But as we grow and change, it’s okay to admit that some traditions no longer feel right.

For me, this has looked like choosing the parts of the holidays that make my heart full and letting go of the rest. It’s about giving myself permission to celebrate in ways that align with who I am today, not who I used to be.

Practical Ways to Start Your Own Traditions

1. Create a Special Moment for Yourself

   • Whether it’s cozying up with your favorite holiday movie or writing a letter to your future self, take time to celebrate YOU. The holidays don’t have to be about doing it all—they can also be about resting and reflecting.

2. Gather with the People Who Feel Like Home

   • I’ve learned that sometimes family is chosen. Whether it’s a holiday dinner with friends or a game night, create traditions with people who make you feel loved.

3. Breathe New Life Into Old Favorites

   • My great grandmother’s sweet potato pie recipe will always be part of my holidays, but I’ve found ways to make it my own. (Last year, I added a caramel drizzle and made a sweet potato pie cheesecake!) Try keeping old traditions but adding your own twist to make them special.

4. Find Joy in Giving

   • The holidays are about more than material gifts. This year, consider giving your time, writing a heartfelt note, or supporting a cause you care about. The joy you feel from giving is one of the best gifts you can receive.

5. Reimagine Holiday Décor

   • Instead of decorating exactly as you always have, try something that represents your current style or values. Maybe it’s a minimalist tree, a gratitude wall, or handmade ornaments with personal meaning. Let your décor tell your story.

Coming Home to Yourself

Coming home to yourself is about creating space for the joy God has already planted within you. It’s choosing to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the peace and purpose He offers in every season. Joy isn’t about chasing perfect circumstances—it’s about finding contentment and gratitude in God’s presence, even amid life’s uncertainties. When you prioritize your well-being, honor your boundaries, and trust in God’s faithfulness, you begin to nurture the kind of joy that sustains and empowers you. Coming home to yourself is an act of love—an invitation to embrace the life that has been beautifully designed for you.

Your Journey Awaits

This holiday season, let yourself evolve. Embrace the parts of the past that bring you joy, let go of the ones that don’t, and step into traditions that feel uniquely yours. As you navigate this journey, know that every step is bringing you closer to the most important place of all—home.