"Tie-ing Together the Holidays"

The holiday tradition that my family and I have is a bit unique. Most people rewatch movies, or bake seasonal treats, but my family makes it a point to dress up every holiday season. My mother grew up in a large family, and fashion was important to them. Everyone would put on their nicest outfits as they traveled to my grandmother’s house in Brooklyn, NY for Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. I was born and raised in Orlando, FL, far from extended family. We rarely traveled to New York, and they rarely traveled to Florida. 

My mother wanted to keep the tradition alive, so even though we weren’t expecting any visitors, and we had no one to impress but ourselves, my brothers would dress up in little suits and ties, and my mother and I would put on nice sweaters or dresses.  

As we get older, the magic of Christmas and the holidays might fade away from some people and become just another day. Having a special tradition and looking your best keeps the excitement and joy alive.  While my brothers are more reluctant to carry on this tradition, the women of the house will still look their best this year and the next.