Build Traditions That Work for You, Not Against You

As a whole, traditions are great, right? They’re a big part of the holidays and human life in general, helping us feel connected to previous generations and nice memories.

But individually, they can be a bit restrictive, can’t they? And many aren’t at all healthy, are they?

Do you really want to keep dressing formally just because your spouse’s grandmother insisted on it?

And what about eating too much every year because our culture seems to prioritize it? Or drinking too much because you always did before…and then spending all day after the big meal in front of the TV…

See? Just because your family might’ve done something every year, that doesn’t mean you can’t discard it, amend it, or create something to replace it.

And since this year’s going to be different anyway, given the pandemic, why not look for ways to build new, healthy traditions of your own? It’ll be fun, and a great way to help friends and family get creative, too.

Here are a few ideas to get you thinking!

1. Try a healthier recipe for a family favorite.

2. Or try a foreign version, a vegan version, etc.

3. Make an ornament that’s unique to each year. Last year I hand-made Kettlebell ornaments for every single one of my Renov8 Fitness members

4. Get everyone outside for some kind of movement, even if it’s cold out. A nice walk, building a snowman, throwing around a football, or sledding will burn some calories and create fun memories.

5. Add a board game to the after-dinner mix. You can even do it virtually if you’re separated this year.

6. Give the kids a task of their own choosing – something creative that helps create healthy habits.

7. Build on a standing tradition or give it a twist. This year that should be pretty easy since necessity is the mother of invention, and we’ve all had to make so many changes already!

Keep an open mind and allow for spontaneity and even “error,” since the best ideas are often happy accidents. Hold the past gently with one hand while reaching out to the future with a loving touch. That’s a tradition we can all start every day 

I’d love to hear what you choose to do differently this year, comment below!