Holiday Traditions

they’re good for you

Traditions give us something to look forward to—and that’s important for our mental health. During the year, it’s easy to get caught up in our daily routines, not noticing special, everyday moments that could bring us joy. 

Holiday traditions are also a great way to slow down, be present and truly appreciate what we have. These intentional activities create a sense of meaning and connection. Whether you engage in shared traditions or personal ones, these activities enrich our lives and establish a sense of present moment awareness.

Here are a few ways the CHILL team makes the holiday season meaningful and mindful:

“In Venezuela, we prepare a traditional dish called Hallacas during the holidays. What I love about this tradition is that preparing them is usually a family affair. We all get together and share the work (most families make around 100-200 Hallacas for the season). Each family, usually led by grandma, has their own recipe full of a particular mix of flavours.” – Daniel

Venezuelan Hallacas | Image by Goya Foods

“My wife and I make ugly, gluten-free sugar cookies. They weren't initially intended to be ugly. But here they are, always ugly. We play holiday music and just have fun making ugly cookies.” – Darrell

Darrell and his wife’s gluten-free sugar cookies

“My holiday tradition is going to a nice dinner out with my parents. We typically do this a few days before seeing extended family as a special treat to enjoy delicious food and each other's company.” – Jennifer

Jennifer with her husband and parents in Palm Beach, FL

“We moved into a new home recently. I'd never lived in a home before, never had a front lawn, backyard or a tree. Now my family and I find ourselves with a very large tree. I love it. And I love being able to decorate it with white lights during the holiday season. It brings my family, our neighbors and me so much joy to see it illuminated during a dark Chicago winter.” – Laura

“Growing up, my grandparents had a HUGE collection of miniature houses, buildings and characters that they would set-up all throughout their house. When my grandmother passed away 6 years ago, we split up the village between my grandpa, mom, sister and myself. Now we all have mini villages to set-up every year to remind us of her.” – Kelly

A scene from Kelly’s Christmas Village

“A few years ago, I started going to my grandmas at the beginning of December to help decorate her Christmas tree. Each ornament on her tree is unique and the decorated tree is a culmination of so many years and sweet memories. I love going through those memories and getting to create new ones with her during this time.” – Erin

This year’s Christmas tree

We hope this list can serve as inspiration for you to reflect on your own holiday traditions and what makes this time of year so meaningful.  However you spend your holiday, all of us at CHILL wish you a season of good health, love and peace.