Peaceful Holidays

Finding Cheer in Change:

Creating New Holiday Traditions

Christmas, Yule and Hannukah are often painted as a season of joy, family, and nostalgia, but for many of us, it's also a season of change. Whether through loss, estrangement, or shifting circumstances, the holidays can serve as a poignant reminder of what has been—and what no longer is.

This year, my husband and I are facing our own changing holiday landscape. After losing my mother in April, it’s just the two of us and our cats nestled in rural Washington. While we’ve always embraced the cheer of a Christmas tree and the solace of quiet living, the absence of my larger family has reshaped how we approach the season.  My husband made these insulated cat boxes for two strays who recently adopted us and put them beneath our deck.

Navigating Change During the Holidays

The truth is, change during the holidays is inevitable. It can take many forms: the loss of a loved one, the empty seats of adult children who have moved away, or even the loss of traditions that once felt unshakable. While the grief of these changes can feel heavy, there’s also a gentle invitation hidden in them—a call to reimagine how we celebrate and what Christmas or other holidays can mean moving forward.

Embracing New Traditions

One way to navigate these shifts is by creating new traditions. For my husband and me, our faith communities have been an anchor. While neither of us is particularly traditional in our beliefs—he was raised Catholic, and we sometimes attend the United Church of Christ—we find comfort in attending mass during the Christmas season. It’s less about doctrine and more about connection: to the sacred, to one another, and to the act of pausing to reflect on hope and renewal.

If you’re finding yourself in a similar position of transition, consider what new traditions might bring you comfort and joy. Some ideas might include:

Creating a New Setting: Shift your celebrations to a new environment, like a favorite beach, a cozy cabin, or even just a different room in your home, decorated in a way that feels fresh.

Shared Acts of Kindness: Volunteer at a local shelter or donate gifts to a charity. Acts of giving can bring immense meaning to the season and create a sense of connection with others.

Simplify and Focus: Trim down the expectations of the holiday season. Focus on what truly matters to you, whether it’s a quiet dinner for two, a special ornament for your tree, or just spending time with loved ones, furry friends included.

Acknowledging Loss While Moving Forward

Adopting new traditions doesn’t mean ignoring the past or denying grief. It’s okay to honor what was while stepping into what is. Light a candle for someone you’ve lost. Write them a letter. Share a favorite story about them over your holiday dinner.

For us, part of our process has been finding joy in the small things—our cats playing in the wrapping paper, the glow of the tree in the corner of our living room, and planning hikes on trails that remind us of the beauty that endures, no matter the season.

A Season of Hope

Christmas (Yule and Hannukah), at its core, is a story of hope born in the humblest of circumstances. Even when the holidays don’t look the way they used to, that hope remains available to all of us. This year, I’m leaning into that hope and finding cheer in our quiet, rural celebrations—proof that change doesn’t have to mean loss, but rather, the beginning of something new.

What new traditions might you explore this winter season? How can you find hope amid change? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear them.

Wishing you peace, joy, and connection this holiday season.