Start New Holiday Traditions Once You Have Moved to Colorado Springs

By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group 

Remember when you were a child and the greatest day ever was when the Sears Wish Book arrived in the mailbox? Okay, in case you are too young to have that wonderful memory, the Wish Book was a Christmas catalog, which included a stunning, beautifully illuminated tree on the cover, and pages and pages of playthings, and bikes, and dollhouses--and matching pj's for the family. That catalog cover was an inspiration for a perfect Christmas for millions of youngsters who're Amazon-savvy grownups now, and admit it, you sort of miss the excitement of cracking open that Wish Book and seeing that year's Barbie Dream House on the inside cover.

That's the thing concerning traditions--they sooner or later phase out, and something new replaces the old. Sometimes they reach a natural and organic ending--the coordinating PJs come to mind--but in other instances, a tradition ends too abruptly, causing you to be stuck in an emotional void. This is a common happening when you've moved to Colorado Springs and are facing that first holiday season in a new place, without your "this is what we typically do" safety net to navigate the season. Oh, you hardly really like going to your Auntie Myrtle's for dry turkey for Thanksgiving? As well as those previous neighbors whose notion of decorating was a lawn (and roof) filled with inflatables?? Okay, it's time to let it go and commence a few new traditions--ones that you and your family like to do.

Friendsgiving

It's a millennial idea that's caught on over generational divides (numerous millennials have kids in high school now), as a group who's on the move and thus spending the holidays away from their home and family. Invite a few new friends--neighbors, co-workers, kid's friends families--over for a Friendsgiving feast. You provide the turkey, or tenderloin, or the chopsticks (you are busting out--feel free to order in Chinese) and everybody makes a vegetable or a dessert. Don't think you must invite countless, ask as few or as many as you wish.

Volunteer

There are many volunteer choices over the holidays, and you can go it alone, or as a family. Churches, YMCAs, and coffee shops can be a great source of identifying opportunities, covering anything from assisting in a soup kitchen to supplying holiday dinners and gifts and wrapping gifts for kids.

Head to an Event

Surprising as it might be to recognize, there's more to holiday activities than just one more novice performance of the Nutcracker. You can find holiday concert events, tree lightings, plays, and religious activities. A number of small municipalities host light extravaganzas--determine if there's one nearby. A number of towns in the South have out of doors ice-skating rinks during the holidays--indeed, you may be dressed in shorts, nevertheless do bring mittens because it is a little cold out there on the ice.

Movie Night

Many of us grew up with the Grinch, and also those brilliant Rankin-Bass movies--who could possibly ever forget about the Burgermeister Meisterburger? Create a regular movie night over the holidays and take another look at the old "Miracle on 34th Street" one week, and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" or possibly "Christmas With the Kranks" the next.

Plan A Getaway

If you are just not feeling the holidays this year, and you could coordinate it financially, consider a trip. It's not too late to reserve an excursion somewhere hot and tropical, however if that's not in the budget head somewhere close by. If you can possibly conveniently travel there, New York reaches its best during the holidays--the massive tree at Rockefeller Center goes up ahead of Thanksgiving, and also the holiday shop windows around 5th and Madison Avenues are nearly worth the visit.

Stay Connected

The online world helps it to be so easy to remain plugged in with old friends and family when you're moving a long distance away--it's bittersweet, for sure, but inevitably more sweet than bitter. You can share your activities in real time or possibly scroll through photos more relaxed down the road. In any event, stay optimistic--New Year's is only a week away after which it is all finished until next year.