Questioning Traditions

Think about your holiday traditions: decorating a tree, lighting candles, singing carols, preparing special meals. Have you ever asked yourself why you do these things? For some, the answer is simple: they bring joy. But for others, traditions might feel obligatory, something done because “it’s what we’ve always done.”

Does this tradition bring you joy? Does it align with your current values? Or are you on autopilot, following a routine that no longer resonates? When we view traditions as either “right” or “wrong,” we miss the opportunity to adapt and make them uniquely ours.

A story comes to mind. A young girl loved cooking with her mom during the holidays. One Christmas, she noticed her mom cutting the ends off the ham before placing it in the pan. Curious, she asked why. Her mom admitted she didn’t know—it’s just how her mom had always done it. So they called Grandma, who said she learned it from her mom. Finally, Great-Grandma laughed and said, “I cut the ends off because my pan was too small!”

How many traditions do we follow without questioning their origins? Sometimes they’re rooted in circumstances that no longer exist. This season, take a moment to ask: Does this tradition still make sense for me?

The Power of Perspective

Imagine the number six painted on the ground. From one side, it looks like a six. From the other, it’s a nine. Who’s right? Both. Perspective shapes everything. Two people can experience the same tradition, belief, or moment and interpret it in completely different ways. What brings joy to one person might feel stressful to another, and that’s okay. Life’s beauty lies in its diversity.

During the holidays, this diversity is especially evident. A cherished family tradition for one person might feel overwhelming or burdensome to someone else. Instead of debating who’s “right,” we have an opportunity to see things from another’s perspective—to honor their six, even if it’s our nine.

Reexamining Beliefs

Let’s talk about Santa Claus. As a child, I believed wholeheartedly in Santa—a jolly man delivering gifts across the world felt magical. But as I grew older, the cracks in the story appeared: Santa’s handwriting looked like my mom’s, and “Santa” gifts mysteriously appeared in my parents’ closet weeks before Christmas. Eventually, I realized the truth but kept pretending, afraid the magic of Christmas might disappear.

How often do we do this as adults? Cling to beliefs—about traditions, ourselves, or our self-worth—because letting go feels scary? Changing beliefs takes courage. But when we question and release what no longer serves us, we create space for something new, something authentic.

The Gift of Presence

Living in Hawaii has profoundly shaped my perspective on traditions and beliefs. Here, the holidays feel different. Instead of snow-covered rooftops, there are palm trees wrapped in lights. Instead of hot cocoa by the fire, there’s shaved ice on the beach.

Back in Utah, Christmas felt like a race—a marathon to create the perfect Hallmark holiday. It was magical in its own way but exhausting. Here in Hawaii, the rhythm is slower, the focus less on material things and more on connection. This shift didn’t happen overnight. It required me to stop and ask, “Why am I doing this? What truly matters to me?”

One of the greatest gifts Hawaii has given me is the realization that the best present I can give myself is being present. Fully in the moment. Savoring the sound of the waves, the laughter of loved ones, the quiet moments of solitude. Letting go of rigid expectations has allowed me to create new traditions that feel deeply meaningful.

Beliefs vs. Experiences

Beliefs can be inherited, but experiences are personal. Beliefs can be debated, but experiences become part of who we are. For example, someone might believe in miracles because of their upbringing. Another might believe because they’ve experienced unexplainable grace, like a loved one’s recovery against all odds. Both are valid.

Ask yourself: Do my beliefs come from my own experiences or are they hand-me-downs? Your truth doesn’t have to match someone else’s. Honor your experiences, and give yourself permission to adapt, evolve, and grow.

Embracing the Spectrum

Life isn’t about stopping or going, red or green. Sometimes it’s about pausing at the yellow light to reflect:

• Does this belief align with who I am today?

• Does this tradition bring me joy?

• Does the story I’ve been telling myself still feel true?

If the answer is no, let it go. Create new beliefs, traditions, and stories that reflect the person you are becoming. Embrace the swirl of colors that life offers. Adapt old traditions to fit your current environment and truth. Honor the past while welcoming the new.

This season, give yourself the gift of presence. Be fully in the moment, let go of what no longer serves you, and celebrate the beautiful spectrum of life. Because life isn’t a stoplight. It’s a masterpiece waiting to be painted—by you.

🎁 Give the Gift of Discovery! 🎁
This holiday season, share the inspiration of self-discovery with Discover the Adventure of You—a journey toward finding inner peace and creating a life you love.

And don’t forget to tune into my latest podcast episode on YouTube or Spotify for heartfelt conversations that inspire growth, balance, and joy. 🌟