Dear Reader,
The Christmas season is here and like so many others I am swept up in it!!! Moment of truth: it is my favorite holiday and I give myself the permission to go overboard. My family has tons of traditions and I am so eager to see what others are doing to create memories for this time of year. I decided to take a pause and write this blog to not only share some of my favorite traditions but also why they are so special.
Christmas Cookie Tradition
One of my first Christmas blogs and also my first podcast episode is about this tradition. This year is the 30th year of the Christmas cookie bake! My Mom started this tradition when she decided to do some extra baking one cold December afternoon. All these years later I am still baking an assortment of nine different cookies and delivering them to neighbors.
When I spoke about this tradition on my podcast, I shared the importance of the visits that come along with these cookies. I can’t imagine this season without this tradition and the opportunity to catch up with everyone. I believe it makes my Mom smile too!
** For anyone wondering most of the cookies are Italian recipes. I have legacy to uphold. My angels are watching.
Creating Christmas Ornaments
One of the other Christmas blogs I have written focuses on my tradition of designing ornaments for the kiddos in my life! I am currently in the process of wrapping up the ornaments for presents now.
This idea was actually inspired by my father. Every year of my life he has bought me an ornament. (My nephew even helps pick one out for me too!) Currently, we meet at the same shop every Christmas Eve morning and go shopping for this annual ornament. My father, like my mother, is a quality time person. This hour with just him and I is special and a time we look forward too.
The other beauty of traditions is allowing them to evolve and find our own voice through them. In my case this calling led to me to design and create a new ornament for the kiddos each year. Last year, I watched my nephew walk up to the tree and play with the reindeer ornament that I created for his first Christmas. The smile and delight on his face is a moment that I will never forget.
My guest, Jamie Buttigieg, and I speak more about this topic in the second episode of “Feelings and Healing with Bella Lucia”. Our conversation further inspired me to write this blog. Special thanks to Jamie to shining light on the importance of traditions.
Day of Christmas Movies
This is a new tradition that I am working on for this year! I am realizing more and more that is important to slow down and relax. Living in NYC, this month is full of activities, parties, and shows that I wouldn’t miss for the world. However, I remind myself that it is also ok to sit among the Christmas lights and watch a Christmas movie. It may happen later within the 12 days of Christmas but what is most important is that it happens!
I wish you and your family a most blessed holiday season. I pray it is fulfilling and everything you wish it to be. As I have mentioned in my blogs and in my podcast, I would like to leave you with my favorite lyrics of the Christmas Song. (Nat King Cole’s version is my personal favorite.)
“And so I’m offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it’s been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you”
Merry Christmas and many blessings for a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Love Always,
Kristina Lucia xoxo