Reflecting on Holiday Traditions and Nostalgia

With Halloween now complete, are you starting to feel the pressure to plan for the holidays? I don’t know if it’s the fact that this will be our last Christmas in our home in Kansas City before moving to Omaha or the reality that my kiddos are growing up so quickly, but I’ve been feeling especially nostalgic about holiday magic, and family traditions lately. I can’t wait for the serene glow of the tree lights and the cozy comfort of the fireplace.

With thoughts of sugar plums dancing in my head, I’m also reflecting on traditions, both old and new. Family dynamics can be complex, and sometimes with that complexity, we lose traditions—but we hold onto the memories they left behind. My paternal grandmother immigrated from Austria during the war with her mother and sister. Although she’s no longer here to share her stories and recipes, I recently reached out to family who might be able to tell me more. There are desserts and meals from my childhood that I’ve been trying to track down and recreate through Google and Pinterest, so I can share those memories with my own kids.

Do you have childhood memories that feel so vivid you can almost taste the sweets or smell the spices? In a time when everything seems to be so "extra," what if we took a step back and thought about what made the holiday season magical for us as kids? No need for perfect gift wrapping or visiting all the holiday light displays. Take a deep breath, and think about what truly made the season special. For me, it was time spent together over a good meal and visiting family.

One of my favorite traditions from my husband’s family is the "Santa Tree," recreated each year by his mother just as her mother did for her when she was little. Growing up, my extended family would order Pizza Hut on Christmas Eve—a far cry from gourmet, but memorable nonetheless. Some families frame their holiday cards and set them out as decor every year, creating a gallery of holiday memories that grows with each passing season.

Before the hustle and bustle of the season starts to stress you out, think about one simple, meaningful tradition you can do together as a family. For us, it’s our basket of holiday stories by the tree—a whole month of books that the kids can pick from at any time. I hope that when my kids are my age and feel nostalgic for their childhood holidays, they’ll remember the stories we read together and perhaps even keep the tradition alive.

What are some of your favorite holiday traditions? Let me know in the comments! If you enjoy this weekly blog, please share it with friends and family. Keep an eye out for Black Friday deals and exclusive holiday bundles to help you incorporate books into your family’s traditions.