How to Decide Which Holiday Traditions are Worth Keeping

As the holiday season approaches, the air fills with excitement and a touch of nostalgia. But along with the joy, there often comes a sense of obligation to maintain traditions, even those that leave us feeling drained, both financially and emotionally.

Rachel Jonat wisely points out, “We don’t have to continue holiday traditions that leave us broke, overwhelmed, and tired.”

The holidays should be a time of joy and reflection, not stress and exhaustion. According to the American Psychological Association, holiday stress is a real phenomenon, with financial pressures and the demands of gift-giving cited as significant stressors. This stress can, unfortunately, detract from the true essence of the season.

It’s crucial to remember that a tradition is just that—a tradition, not the holiday itself. It’s a practice or custom that we’ve chosen to repeat over time. But as our lives evolve, so too can our traditions. Here’s a series of questions to help you decide which traditions are worth keeping:

1. Do You Enjoy Them?

f a tradition feels more like a chore than a celebration, it might be time to reconsider its place in your holiday.

2. Do Others Want to Keep Them?

It’s important to consider if these traditions are meaningful to the rest of your family or social circle.

3. Are They Becoming Too Expensive?

Financial strain can sap the joy out of any tradition. A study by the National Retail Federation shows the average spending during the holidays, underscoring the financial burden these traditions can impose.

4. Are They Something People Talk About Looking Forward To?

If a tradition is eagerly anticipated, it likely holds significant value for you and your loved ones.

5. Are They Important to Your Extended Family?

Some traditions serve as important bonds with extended family, but it’s worth discussing if they still serve their intended purpose.

6. Are They Contributing to Your Enjoyment, or Detracting from It?

Analyze whether a tradition enhances your holiday experience or if it’s merely a source of stress.

7. Do They Feel Like Drudgery?

f preparing for a tradition feels burdensome, it’s worth reevaluating its importance.

8. Are They Bringing New Favored Memories, or Are You Only Remembering Old Memories?

Traditions should create new, cherished memories, not just be a vehicle for reminiscing.

9. Does It Elevate Your Main Reason for the Season?

Every tradition should align with and enhance your core reasons for celebrating the season.

10. Can It Be Adapted or Updated?

Sometimes, tweaking a tradition can renew its joy and relevance.

This holiday season, give yourself the gift of reflection and choose the traditions that bring true joy and meaning to your celebrations.

It’s not about the number of traditions you have, but the quality of the experiences they create. Even more important, letting go of outdated or stressful traditions can open up space for new, more fulfilling ones.