Making Memories

Holidays around here are usually all about tradition.  Traditions become things that we can look forward to and they create a pattern that makes the holiday run smoothly.  Predictable and expected. 

But sometimes things have to change.  How do I deal with things when they change?  When life throws a curveball or we start to outgrow a tradition?  How flexible can I be?

I know that my default is predictability.  It takes work for me to shift gears, especially when things are out of my control.  I usually have a little period of overwhelm and then eventually my pendulum swings back and I realize that whatever the new plan, it will work.   It won’t be the end of the world and I might even be pleasantly surprised by the change.

I have been thinking a lot about making memories as I spend time with my eighty-six-year-old grandmother who is suffering from Dementia.  It is a hard fact to swallow.  There are times of clarity and times of heartbreaking confusion.   I'm amazed when she comes up with a story from 35 years ago and it brings me right back to the feelings of that time with her.

Memories tell our story.  

I know that the time to make memories is now and it doesn’t really matter how.  Traditions seem to set the table for the events, but I think that many of my best memories come from the unpredictable, spontaneous fun that takes things just a bit off-course.  When someone gets a crazy or novel idea and we let things play out, a great memory is surely to follow. 

I understand that if I get stuck wondering how the day will go or bogged down with the logistics when a plan/tradition has been changed, then I might miss the chance for some amazing memories.  This life seems to be flying by and being flexible and up for whatever comes my way is a continual battle for me, but one that I will keep striving for. 

Did you let yourself enjoy some spontaneity this holiday season?  Take some time to remind yourself of some of your favorite holiday moments.  Lock them in your memory to savor another day!