21 Nov I don’t hate family, but I hate the traditions.
Dear Tía G,
I’m not looking forward to the holidays. There are no children in my family and the whole idea of centering get-togethers on gifts and eating too much doesn’t align with my values. I’m considering leaving for the holidays to avoid them. What do you suggest I do?
~I don’t hate family, but I hate the traditions.
Queridx “I don’t hate family, but I hate the traditions”,
It’s time to make new traditions that align with your values. Talk with your family about your concerns. It’s likely that you are not alone in feeling this way. Start by listing your values. Then come up with activities that feed them. Here are some ideas: Buy from the Amazon gift list for the houseless at Boise Interfaith Sanctuary (interfaithsanctuary.org). Put together a family scavenger hunt (https://bit.ly/3ngVpva). Volunteer and distribute food at the Idaho Food Bank (idahofoodbank.org/give). Coordinate and host a holiday craft activity or bingo at your local Elder Care Facility. Learn how to make a dish from your ethnic background and cook it together. Read and discuss a book from a diverse author (bit.ly/bipocbooks). Host a greeting card craft day for your neighborhood. Go snowshoeing at Bogus Basin.
It may be easier to run away from it, but embracing the need for change and addressing it with your family may create traditions that bring you together in a meaningful and nourishing way.
Te amo,
Tía G