Traditions change over time. Holidays change. Life changes.

This Christmas, we realized that the kids are growing up and long-held traditions will be changing. For me, I am realizing that holidays and birthdays will be changing as the nieces and nephews have grown up. We worked hard to enjoy each year with the kids and to be intentional in spending time with them. They are growing up and thriving just as they should. It is wonderful to see. It also makes memories flood in of years past.

For those of us who have health challenges, we may be more alone than previous years as families and circumstances change. For the elderly, friends pass on or move to care homes/family members. This is a rough time alone. It can make us a bit down or weepy. Memories can bring joy or make us melancholy. I have been thinking about this. How will I respond as things change in coming years? Will I trust God? Will I find joy in the new traditions and praise Him? Will I be content?

These are good questions to ask. In part, we take it as it comes. Yet, we also need to choose how we will respond. We must turn to God and rely on His strength and grace to face the changes of life. We must ask Him what He would have us to do. How would He have us use this season to serve Him, to glorify Him, and to love others?

How do you handle the holidays and changing traditions? changes in general? Do you have any tips for us?