WHOLESOME DECEMBER TRADITIONS

The month of December is very special and in this part of the world, we treat I with utmost preparation. I believe it's even more exciting because it's Christmas season and has the longes holiday in the year.

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Usually, once shools dismiss and work breaks are given, beginning froms say, the 21st, the environment gets busier, even the air smells nicer. Roads are packed with cars heading in different destinations of interest to spend the holiday. Major towns and cities become less and less crowded. Almost deserted.

Growing up, it was like a norm to always travel to the village this season. Understandably because that was the only time family was almost complete. No other time of the year affords us this luxury to meet in our numbers. It's not very much so anymore. For me precisely.

My family marks the season together. This time though, it wouldn't be with extended family, sadly. So it would be just my siblings, parents and I.

Meanwhile, there's just not only one thing that i(I know it's same for the rest of the family) always look forward to in this month. These family traditions - which to me is a normal routine but made even special in this season- stands irrespective of whatever constraints.

One of it which we've always upheld is Eating together. Might be routine but it's important that we all gather around to feast and gist and laugh and bond that way.
Made even more pronounced by the season too is the tradition of giving. Especially on Christmas day, we prepare nice meals and share to friends and loved ones. I enjoy this so much. My parents get gifts too to give to the elderly and a host of other people. It's just really nice to be able to share.

And then, this one tradition has to be the highlight of all for me. It is the family gathering. I grew up having these every now and then, then when everyone hadn't gone on to take up responsibilities for themselves in various geographical locations. It used to be frequent and fun.

The gathering can be seen as a heart-to-heart moment. It's mostly on everyone speaking about their experience rolling into that day, wins, losses, smashed and unachieved goals, sharing problems, making suggestions and generally geared towards finding ways to improve our lives both as individuals and as a family.

Even as a family too, we have goals and expectations from one another. During the family conversation, we make it known and offer advice, suggestions and contributions. We set our goals for all of us there, in that meeting. We make it known how always available for one another we always will be and how we'd all go through life holding each other's hands. It's a heartfelt moment for me.

After all of the discussions, our goals, plans and the coming year is sealed with a prayer. My parents conclude the prayer, both praying individually for all of us and the larger family. Just think of that wholesome moment. Boy! It's always an exciting experience that leaves us all energized, filled with love and grateful for the gift of a solid system that is family.

Thanks for gracing this post.
Greetings!