rituals

When I was little my family always had a big Christmas tree, which we would decorate with sparkling lights and little wooden ornaments. Each Christmas Eve we would hang up stockings and when we woke up we would open our presents, go to church and then have a traditional lunch. We weren’t at all religious but I think my mum just liked the songs, the sense of togetherness and the marking of time.

When I left home I never set up a tree the way we did when I was a kid. In group houses we never got around to it. When I was on my own it seemed like a bit of  waste, since it was only me who would appreciate the leaves and lights. And then when My Lovely One and I moved in together, we never made it a priority.

But now I am looking forward to a first Christmas with our Little One and my brain has started thinking about what we might do. I find it exciting, the opportunity to create lovely habits for our little family, rituals that will celebrate our years together and encourage a sense of security and joy.

It’s something that I think we could all use a little bit more of: meaningful ceremonies that bear witness to Important Life Stuff. Not whitedresswedding type customs. More this.matters.to.me.and.I.am.consciously.acknowledging.it sorts of practices. Rituals that promote a sense of being grounded, that help you feel more connected to both yourself and to others.

Tags: baby love, choices, connection, happiness, My Lovely One, values