Embracing tradition: Christmas, Boxing Day and the New Year
by Vicki Barlow
• Published 25/12/2023
Merry Christmas! Our Christmas Day blog touches on festive traditions, remembrance and the upcoming new year.
As the festive season unfolds, and our hearts are filled with the warmth of Christmas cheer, it becomes a time of reflection and remembrance. Christmas is not only a season of joy but also an opportunity to think of those we have lost, cherishing the memories that continue to light our way.
Amid the hustle and bustle, it's essential to take a moment to pause and reflect on the cherished individuals who have touched our lives. Whether they were family members, friends, or dear ones, their presence is felt in the echoes of laughter, the warmth of shared stories, and the traditions that endure.
This Christmas, let us celebrate the lives and legacies of those we hold dear in our hearts. Consider lighting a candle, creating a special memorial ornament, or sharing stories that evoke the spirit of your loved ones during the festive season. In our family, it is tradition to raise a toast to 'absent friends' at the dinner table on Christmas day. In honouring their memory, we find comfort and strength in the bonds that time cannot diminish. Read more about memories of Christmas past in our blog
here.
You may also wish to remember your loved ones by adding a tribute to our Christmas Memorial Wall
here.
As Christmas Day fades into memories, the traditions continue with the arrival of Boxing Day. Originating in the United Kingdom, this day is steeped in history and has evolved into a time for both reflection and giving back.
Boxing Day traditionally involved the giving of boxes of food, clothing, and other necessities to those less fortunate. Today, while the act of boxing up items for charitable purposes remains, many also relish the opportunity to extend the festive celebrations with friends and family.
Last year we wrote about things to do on Boxing Day - you can read that
here. My Boxing Day tradition is to go to a football match; luckily we always have a home game on Boxing Day. I blend that with seeing family and usually start the day with a long dog walk in the countryside.
What will 2024 bring?
As we bid farewell to the festive season, it's natural to turn our thoughts toward the approaching New Year. While resolutions are made and plans take shape, let us also consider the impact we can have on the lives of others. Perhaps, in the spirit of Boxing Day, we can set intentions to contribute to our communities, lend a helping hand, or support charitable causes.
We never go out on New Year's Eve, preferring to go out for a good walk on New Year's Day followed by a take-away with friends. I don't tend to make resolutions, despite the tradition to do so.
As we embark on the journey into the new year, let the memories of those we've lost inspire us to live with purpose and compassion. May the lessons learned from their lives guide our paths, and may we find solace in the shared moments that have shaped us.
Do you have family traditions for Christmas, Boxing Day or New Year's Day? If so let us know in the comments below.
We hope you are having a wonderful Christmas Day. Embrace the traditions of Boxing Day, whether in acts of kindness or moments of joy with those around you. As we look ahead to the coming year, may it be filled with hope, love, and the enduring connections that make life truly meaningful.
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previous blogs here.
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