Traditions
This time of year has me thinking a lot about traditions. How mine have changed over the years. The ones I miss. The new ones I enjoy. The ones I'm still to create. The move to San Francisco last year threw into focus just how important rituals are. The first year without familiarity ticking off the seasons caught me blindsided. Seeing things come around again now that I'm midway through the second year is a great feeling (though, I'm not sure I'll ever get over SF's grey summer and lack of a proper fall).
When I was little, Tradition was Catholic Christmas masses (sometimes in two flavours, Roman and Ukrainian). School pageants. Letters to Santa. Building toboggan runs on the front lawn.
In high school, Tradition was English boarding school-style carol services. English boarding school-style Christmas dinners. Exams. Gift exchanges with friends I'm still close to today. Sleeping in for three whole weeks.
In university, Tradition was more exams. Showing up at the Fredericton airport for 6:30am flights that were snowed in until 10:00. Knowing the train ride between Montreal and Belleville by heart. Catching up with high school friends. Sleeping in for three whole weeks.
In Washington, Tradition was moving to the celebration of Solstice / New Years. Holiday parties at baseball stadiums. Secret-Santa-ing at work. Holing up in the apartment with coffee, books and movies while it rained outside. Refusing to get on a plane. Celebrating with friend's families instead. Playing video games for two days straight while watching the Law & Order channel. Making plans for the New Year.
In California, Tradition is shaping up to be al fresco breakfasts with the neighbourhood. Deep purges of things I don't want to take into the year ahead (last year, a job, this year, much stuff and a few relationships). Breaking my winter travel rules to hop a red-eye to somewhere cold to be with family and friends (last year, Ottawa, this year Paris and London).
But before I get too sentimental, I must go outside and enjoy the sun and neighbourhood cheer before heading to the airport. Peace all. See you in 2008.
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