Traditions and why they matter to me

Yesterday was the 1. Advent, which led me to reflect on traditions and why there are special to me. Growing up in Germany, Christmas time was always special. I have so many fond memories of:

🎄 Baking Christmas cookies with my mum

🎄 Sitting down for a festive lunch each advent with my family

🎄 Lightening one candle on the wreath each advent

🎄 Tea time with home made cookies and other Christmas treats (marzipan balls, Domino Steine, Stolle)

🎄 Strolls over the many Christmas markets

🎄 Opening a door on my advent’s calendar each day

🎄 Nikolaus’ visit on 6th December and leaving little presents in my boots overnight

🎄 Christmas is being celebrated for 3 days (24th & 25th & 26th)

🎄 Watching fairy tale movies with my dad in our PJs until lunch time

🎄 Christmas lights and decorations everywhere

This is something I truly missed living in Australia. Because for me, Christmas in summer is just not same. However I also reflected why Christmas in Australia never felt the same. The connection to others that those traditions in Germany brought me was what was missing.

Since my daughter was born, I realised how important those traditions are for me and that I want these to continue in our family and pass them on to her. Especially since we don’t live in Germany at the moment. So every year in the Christmas time, we bake Christmas cookies, serve them on a plate, which we refer to as Christmas plate (Weihnachtsteller), make a pot of tea, lite a fire in our fire place and then share some of this while listening to Christmas music and talk. This creates connection and memories. Connection to others is what many people miss in their lives. Brene Brown wrote a brilliant book about connections and belonging, it is called Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone.

Our lives are rushed and very often we juggle many responsibilities. Taking the time during the Christmas time, creating traditions, be present and share time with your loved ones is something I recommend to everyone. After all, time is our most valuable commodity, the most valuable present we can give someone.