Start New Holiday Traditions After You've Moved to Oklahoma City

By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group 

Remember when you were a youngster and the best day ever was when the Sears Wish Book came in the mailbox? Okay, if you are too young to have that miraculous remembrance, the Wish Book was a Christmas catalog, sporting a glorious, perfectly lit tree on the cover, and pages and pages of playthings, and bicycles, and dollhouses--and matching pj's for the family. That catalog cover was an inspiration for a flawless Christmas for millions of children which are Amazon-savvy adults now, and admit it, you kind of miss the thrill of opening that Wish Book and finding that year's Barbie Dream House on the inside cover.

That's the thing concerning traditions--they inevitably phase out, and something new replaces the old. Often they arrive at a normal and organic ending--the coordinating pajamas come to mind--but in other instances, a tradition ends too suddenly, causing you to be stuck in an emotional vacuum. That's a common happening when you've moved to Oklahoma City and are contending with that primary holiday season in a new location, without your "this is what we typically do" safety net to navigate the season. Oh, you never actually like visiting your Auntie Myrtle's for dry turkey for Thanksgiving? And those old neighbors whose notion of decorating was a yard (and roof) brimming with inflatables?? Okay, it's time to let go and start new traditions--ones that you and your household want to do.

Friendsgiving

This really is a millennial thing which has caught on throughout generational splits (a number of millennials have teenagers in high school these days), being a group that is on the move therefore spending the holidays away from their home and family. Invite a few new friends--neighbors, co-workers, kid's friends families--over for a Friendsgiving feast. You supply the turkey, or tenderloin, or the chopsticks (you are breaking out--feel free to order in Chinese) and everybody provides a side dish or a dessert. Do not think you have to invite multitudes, ask as few or as many as you want.

Volunteer

There are numerous volunteer options during the holidays, and you can go it alone, or as a family group. Churches, YMCAs, and coffee boutiques are a great resource for locating options, which range from assisting in a soup kitchen to providing holiday food items and presents and wrapping gifts for youngsters.

Go to an Event

Surprising as it might be to comprehend, there is a lot more to holiday activities than just one more amateur performance of the Nutcracker. There are holiday shows, tree lightings, performances, as well as religious gatherings. Many smaller communities host light extravaganzas--find out if there is one in your area. A few towns in the South set up outside ice-skating rinks over the holidays--indeed, you could dress in shorts, nevertheless do bring gloves since it's a bit chilly out there on the ice.

Movie Night

Most of us grew up with the Grinch, and also those great Rankin-Bass movies--who could possibly ever forget about the Burgermeister Meisterburger? Have a regular movie date during the holidays and revisit the old "Miracle on 34th Street" one week, and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" or perhaps "Christmas With the Kranks" the subsequent.

Take A Vacation

If you are simply not feeling the holiday season this year, and you might handle it financially, take a trip. It isn't too late to plan an excursion somewhere hot and sunny, but if that is not in the finances head someplace not far away. If you can possibly conveniently travel there, New York reaches its finest throughout the holidays--the large tree at Rockefeller Center goes up ahead of Thanksgiving, as well as the holiday shop windows down 5th and Madison Avenues are nearly worth the journey.

Keep in Touch

The online world helps it to be so simple to stay connected with old family and friends when you're moving a long distance away--it's bittersweet, for certain, but ultimately more sweet than bitter. You may share your celebrations immediately or even scroll through photos more unhurried down the road. No matter what, keep positive--New Year's is simply a week away and then it is all done until next year.