Time to Pass the Holiday Torch?

December 2006

We all love the holidays, but sometimes all the planning, preparing, buying, baking, cooking and entertaining can feel burdensome.  I have had several women ask me this season when it will stop being "their turn" to do the holidays.  They are tired of bearing the responsibility of the holiday meals and get-togethers.  How does one pass on the "holiday torch" and how can younger generations pick it up gracefully?

I've observed that it is often more difficult for the old guard to let go, than for the new keepers-of-tradition to step up to the plate.  As the older generation relinquishes control, some things may not turn out "the way we've always done it," but the fresh effort may pump new life and joy into your celebrations.

1 Peter 4:9 admonishes us to "offer hospitality to one another without grumbling."  If the holidays have become drudgery to you or if you feel overwhelmed by it all, it's definitely time to ask for assistance. Discuss the situation well before the event, being honest about what you are able and/or willing to do.  Begin by including others more extensively in holiday preparations.

If you are next in line, offering to have the celebration at your house is a big burden lifter for the older generation.  Or, consider having holiday dinners for your group at a restaurant.  Tradition is nice, but it can also be confining.  It's okay to do things differently than your mothers and grandmothers did.  The main focus, of course, is being with those you love to celebrate the birth of our Glorious Christ.

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Wife, mother of three and Registered Psychologist, Dr. Skidmore is well acquainted with the challenges of living a balanced life.  A humorous and dynamic communicator, Dr. Skidmore runs her own private practice, is Executive Director of "Take it to Heart Workshops", a popular radio guest "expert", and has hosted her own radio talk show.