Creative Twists on Holiday Traditions

 

Holidays are hotbeds for tradition. Every year we head up to the attic, pull out all of the decorations, dust them, and place them in the identical place they resided the year before. BORING!  I have been guilty of repeating traditions, dragging out seasonal and holiday decorative pillows for outdoor decor or the lovely antique holiday card holder I found at a thrift shop years ago. I have cooked the expected and reliable meals for holiday dinners that seem to be welcomed favorably each year, as I am sure you have done too.  Yes, there is a certain amount of continuity  and comfort in traditions but shaking things up a bit is really fun and starting new traditions is a great way to creatively express yourself.

 

This year I was inspired by my garden and a friend’s suggestion to turn the tables on tradition for Chanukah.  I was delighted to find that my tomato crop in the garden still had some gorgeous end of season green tomatoes hanging from the vines. When I mentioned this to my friend, their response was, ‘fried green tomatoes!”  Hmm, I thought…that could be a great new way to celebrate the Chanukah tradition of frying food (usually latkes) recalling the miracle of Chanukah. Then I thought, why not add the delicious sour pickles and vine-ripe tomatoes I bought at the Farmer’s Market?  BINGO! The results were delicious, maybe slightly healthier, and definitely more original.

 

Holiday decor whether setting original tables each holiday or decorating indoors and outside is a way to creatively enhance your surroundings.  I enjoy entertaining and the opportunity to set a beautiful table that is welcoming and exciting for my guests. A beautiful table setting is the first impression your guests have of the dinner party or luncheon you invited them to attend, so use your creativity to make it special.  I always create different flower arrangements, often from my garden, candles are a must and, I select from a variety of dinner plates and silverware from my collection to add a personal touch. I find pleasure in adding a treat, depending on the party, that reflects the menu as a special favor at each guest’s place setting.

 

However you choose to celebrate the holidays and happenings in your life, whether in a minimal style or going all out, your creative super power can add elegance and enlivenment to the occasion. 

 

Linda Joy Walder