Tradition (noun) - the transmission of customs or beliefs from generation to generation, or the fact of being passed on in this way.

For many, the holidays are a time of tradition. The same thing happens year after year and everyone just kind of follows along because it is what is supposed to happen.

Thanksgiving is set up at Grandma's where everyone comes over around noon, sits around and catches up while Grandma and Ma prepare the dinner consisting of dishes you have waited all year for. Once it is ready, all sixteen of you cram into the tiny kitchen to pray and pile your plates as high as you can before retreating to the spot you have sat at since birth to devour the feast that you've fasted all day for.

Christmas consists of church on Christmas Eve, followed by french onion soup at Meemaw's house and then heading home to watch a movie and get things ready for Christmas morning. For some reason, it is the only day of the year everyone wakes so easily at the first sight of sunlight. In the morning, the family comes over for presents and breakfast and again, everyone sits in the same spot. Lunch is out at Grandma's with everyone wearing their new attire, ready for a huge meal and more presents. But things change.

Over time, traditions get slightly altered: someone new comes in, someone is no longer with us, family members can not make it back for the holidays, your favorite foods are replaced, etc. Things happen and the traditions you have grown up participating in are no longer traditions, now they are just memories you keep and treasure. Things may not be the same, but you still have to remember the reason for the season. It is not about where you sit to open your presents or eat your meal, it's about who you're surrounded by. The holidays are a time to be thankful for your family, blood or not, and spend time appreciating one another. It is time for enjoying the time you do have with each other, not focusing on the fact that Ma did not make her green bean casserole for 3 years in a row (although it is delicious).

So this holiday season, take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Focus on the family you have by your side and what you all offer to each other. Focus on the reason we are able to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas and I promise you, you will have a blessed one.

Happy Holidays Y'all.