Love 'em or hate 'em, traditions are a part of our lives. When we think of traditions certain words come to mind for some of us: old, outdated, stale. But for others, we think of family, holidays, and connection. 
​
​One thing we can agree on is that sometimes traditions could use a little refresh. We do the same thing year after year out of obligation and without much though or intention. It's time to infuse a little creativity!

A tradition is a belief or behavior passed down within a group or society with symbolic meaning or special significance with origins of the past. (Thanks to Wikipedia for the definition).
​
​Or a more cynical person may consider traditions as peer pressure from dead people. 
​
​But all jokes aside, traditions are deeply embedded in the culture and families we come from. Our discussion on the topic is seen through the lens of two white women who grew up in Texas. And we fully acknowledge our limited perspective and knowledge around different cultures.
​
​Regardless of culture and individual family differences there are some commonalities when it comes to our sense of obligations to fulfill expectations when it comes to traditions.

Traditions come in many forms, shaping the way we celebrate, connect, and live. Some are deeply rooted in culture and religion, passed down through generations as a way to honor our heritage. Others are more personal, family-based traditions that bring loved ones together in moments of joy or reflection.

From grand holiday celebrations to everyday rituals like Sunday dinners or annual trips, traditions help create a sense of continuity and meaning in our lives. Yet, while they ground us in familiarity, traditions don't have to stay static. They can evolve, expand, and be infused with creativity, allowing us to blend the old with the new in ways that resonate more deeply with who we are today.
​
​Here are a few common areas where we find traditions in our lives. Consider these different areas in your personal traditions that are ready for a refresh.

Traditions offer far more that just a nostalgic connection to the past. When we start revitalize tired traditions, we need to take into account what they add to our lives. Let's take a look at some of those benefits.

While traditions provide comfort and connection, they can become limiting when followed rigidly and without intention. Recognizing these challenges is essential for keeping traditions relevant and meaningful in our modern lives.
​
​Traditions can become prescriptive and formulaic.
Because traditions come with expectations around the way particular events or holidays should unfold, we tend to just go through the steps and do what we are expected to do. We decorate the Christmas tree on a certain day of the year, serve the same dishes at the Thanksgiving meals, and don't question the meaning behind the father giving away the bride.

So with traditions, there tends to be a lack of thought around making changes, because we are "supposed to" do it a certain way.

Traditions come with a sense of obligation.
Traditions are often tied to expectations passed down through generations or have been upheld by families or organizations for years. When traditions become performative and are adhered to out of obligation, they inevitably lose meaning. It also creates pressure to participate in customs, even when they no longer feel meaningful or relevant to us personally.

Picture the mom frantically running from store to store to gather ingredients for a dish that is solely served on Thanksgiving dinner only to have guests take a couple of guilt-ridden bites and the remaining 3/4th of the dish gets thrown away.

Let's save everyone the trouble and stop making that weird Jello salad that Great Grandma Eunice started making in 1954.

Whether it's attending family gatherings, following cultural practices, or observing holidays in a specific way, the weight of tradition can make people feel guilty or uncomfortable when they want to deviate. While the intention behind traditions is usually to connect and honor shared values, this sense of duty can sometimes overshadow personal preferences or evolving beliefs, making it hard to break free from routines that no longer resonate.

Traditions can lead to stagnation.
Let's take a step back from problems upholding outdated traditions in our personal lives and look at it through a business lens.

In business, tradition can sometimes lead to stagnation by fostering a resistance to change and innovation. When companies stick to "the way things have always been done," they risk becoming outdated in a fast-evolving market. Relying too heavily on traditional practices can prevent organizations from adapting to new technologies, shifting consumer expectations, and emerging industry trends. This adherence to tradition often stifles creativity and discourages fresh ideas, leading to missed opportunities for growth or differentiation.

While traditions may provide a sense of stability, they can also create blind spots, where businesses fail to evolve and stay competitive. In an environment that rewards agility and innovation, breaking free from rigid traditions is essential for long-term success.

Tradition is often used as a thinly veiled attempt to hide discrimination.
Tradition or traditional is a word bandied about euphemistically to refer to white culture, cis-gender, heteronormative, and stereotypically gender roles. It is a way to myopically view the world and ignore the perspectives of other cultures and individuals.

At its best, this point of view is problematic, but in its worst forms, it is destructive and physically and emotionally harmful.

Traditions aren't all bad, but they can definitely have a dark side. Whether its a custom that no longer has meaning or has become too stressful to be worth the effort, it's time to infuse a little creativity. 
​
​Being creative around traditions allows you to keep their core meaning while adapting them to better reflect who you are today.
​
​Let's take a look at a few ways you can breathe fresh life into established practices.

A new tradition? This sounds like an oxymoron, but this is the easiest way to be creative with traditions.  There is ton of resources you can seek out when trying to create a new tradition. Here are a few that we like:

​Do You Follow Any New Traditions by Gretchen Rubin
​When Family Traditions End - And How to Start New Ones by Randi Mazzella
​28 Meaningful and Fun Family Traditions to Treasure Forever by Alec Russell
​
​The process of starting a new tradition may be a little daunting, so here are some tips to get you started:
​
​Consider your values.
​You want your traditions to reflect your values and the values of those you with whom you chose to celebrate. Take time to identify those values and plan traditions accordingly.
​
​If you value connection with those around you, plan a seasonal tradition that allows you to honor that connect, like a family (whether chosen or biological) gathering on a special day.
​
​Get input or feedback.
​While traditions can be a solo endeavor, they are often shared with those around us. Ask loved ones that participate for input on aspects of the tradition they value and find essential to their enjoyment.
​
​In this episode, Emily shares the story of the first Thanksgiving with her husband (then  boyfriend). Having given up "traditional" Thanksgiving food years ago, Emily made fish tacos and completed the meal with ice cream for dessert - all without considering to mention the deviation from tradition with her boyfriend, Erik. 
​
​It wasn't until his mid-meal meltdown and subsequent grocery story trip for pecan pie that she realized her oversight in failing to acknowledge his expectation for the holiday dinner.
​
​Moral of the story - don't let your fervor for starting a new tradition to overshadow the values and enjoyment of others. There will always be a way to blend old and new.
​
​Timing is key.
​If want to start a new Christmas tradition, the best time to broach the subject is during the Christmas season the year prior. Everyone is together and you can get input on how to move forward the next year. Or at the very least in the months leading up to December.
​
​As you eye gifts wrapped neatly under the tree is not the best time to say, "You know guys, I was thinking maybe we don't exchange gifts this year." This sentiment is destined to be met with negativity and resentment.
​
​Do everyone a favor and start these conversations early.
​
​Remember, it doesn't have to be forever.
​We have the mindset that traditions are longstanding. The truth is that circumstances and values change. Traditions can change right along with them.
​
​If we decided to experiment with a new tradition and it doesn't work out, there is no reason to continue. 

If you are not ready to create new traditions or change existing traditions, take time to question traditions in which you participate. Some key questions to ask:
​
​Does this tradition reflect my values?
​If the answer is yes, keep going. If you respond with no, then decide how to move forward. There is nothing wrong with choosing to continue. The difference is that your mindset and intention has changed. Being a part of a community or family means that sometimes you do things for the benefit of others. And that's okay.
​
​If you decide to opt out of the tradition, that's fine too. Once again, it is the intention behind it. If you decide to stop giving and receiving gifts, it's nothing personal and it's not because you are a stingy grinch. You've decided traditional gift giving is no longer serving you.
​
​You can be at peace with your actions.
​
​Do you enjoy this tradition?
This is an easy one. Take time to reflect on whether you are enjoying the tradition. If you are, obviously, keep it going. If you don't enjoy it or if the hassle of participating does not cross the threshold of enjoyment to make it worth it, it may be time for a change.
​
What is the meaning behind this traditions?
​Some traditions have a bit of a dark history. Let's look at the wedding tradition of the father giving away the bride. This harkens back to a time when women were considered property and giving away the bride was essentially the transfer of goods from one man to another. Of course, this is no longer the situation today and is often seen as a sweet moment between father and daughter. But it's not for everyone.
​
​Knowing the meaning and history behind a given tradition will arm you with knowledge when faced with the decision to keep or scrap the tradition.

There are two sides to managing expectations and obligations - both yours and the people involved in revering the tradition.
​
​Managing expectations and obligations around traditions can be a delicate balance, especially when family, cultural, or societal pressures come into play. It's important to recognize that while traditions hold value, they shouldn't come at the cost of personal well-being or authenticity. Open communication is key—expressing your feelings or suggesting new ways to celebrate can help ease the tension between honoring the past and embracing the present. Being flexible about how and when traditions are observed allows room for change without losing their essence.

By managing expectations, you can create a space where both tradition and personal preferences coexist harmoniously, making celebrations feel more genuine and less forced.

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, traditions don't change. This is completely understandable. Traditions are grounded in years of repeated behaviors, cultural history, and love for our families. 
​
​At the end of the day, you can only control what you do. You have no power over the actions of others. So, what are you left with? Basically, you have three options:
​
​Do nothing.
​You can go along to get along. Maybe the conversations that need to take place in order to change will be too painful. They will be too disruptive and upset an already delicate relationship between you and your family. Before going full bore with this option, you must consider the effect it has on your mental wellbeing and the toll it may take by not living authentically or in alignment with your values.
​
​Change your mindset.
​If a tradition doesn't change, you can change your mindset around it. Accept that a tradition is here to stay and instead of celebrating the tradition, celebrate the love and connection you have for the people honoring the tradition.
​
​Opt out.
​Sounds simple enough but choosing not to participate in a long standing family tradition can come with challenges. Fall out is inevitable. Relationships may break. Feelings may be hurt. Analyze whether the risk is worth the reward but take comfort in the fact that choosing to opt out is within your control. You may be better for it in the end.

During this show segment, we introduce four ways to interact with the material presented: A question to answer, a quest to complete, an aspect of creativity we've noticed this week, and a quote to ponder.

What is your favorite tradition from childhood?

Identify one tradition you want to approach more creatively.

Putting a creative spin on the gingerbread house.

"Merely being tradition does not make something worthy. We can't just assume that because something is old it is right.”
​- Brandon Sanderson