A tea sounded like such a fabulous idea. My mom and I took my daughters when they were younger and we had such a great time. Back then we enjoyed tea at the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel. Kristen’s choice this year, and probably from this point forward, was the beautiful Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Those are two beautiful options but there are so many more.
At Christmastime hotels are bedecked in holiday elegance making the entire outing so very special. It’s such a beautiful time for tea.
The impromptu birthday party was icing on the proverbial cake, but the underlying event was a wonderful afternoon spent with family. We had a relaxing time chatting, eating delicious food and enjoying each other’s company.
My mom turned 80 last month. My daughters and nieces have children or are expecting children of their own. We’re just now re-igniting this long-forgotten tradition.
The point is, it’s not too late to start. We’re building memories and the continued expectation of an annual, enjoyable event. That’s what traditions do. They tie you together with the loving cords of festivity and familiarity.
I realize traditions don’t always work out the way we hope. We build so much into the hope of a Norman Rockwellian holiday gathering only to be disappointed when family members bicker and the event loses its idyllic luster.
How does one deal? We’ve all heard the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. So why not mix it up a bit? Do something different, go somewhere different.
Is this too simplistic an approach? Possibly. I’m certainly not a family counselor. But having lost family members over the years I know it’s worth a try. If your efforts really fall flat you can start a new tradition of leaving family behind and enjoying an exotic vacation without them 😉
Do you have traditions you’ve found meaningful over the years?
Thanks for reading!
