The trappings of traditions can be seductive — but are they sustainable? Mine weren't.
All that glitters is not gold.
As the bell tinkled, we sprinted to the bottom of the stairs to catch a glimpse of the Christkind. Instead, we were stopped short by our Christmas tree in its entire splendor, candles glowing, tinsel glistening, and brimming with shiny wrapped gifts.
The magic of this German Christmas Eve tradition was one I attempted to replicate well into adulthood with my young children, although sans the candles — since burning down the house was not high on my priority list!
Like my father, the acting Christ-child from childhood, I lavishly wrapped every box, even mundane socks. My gifts were dressed to the nines because, to me, the more glitter, the better.
I had no clue that there was an ugly side to my crow-like penchant for shiny objects.
Traditions trump all, but some of them are trash.
Some people love them, and others reluctantly abide by them. They shape our cultural heritage, connect us to social groups, and cement our identity. Holidays and other celebrations are laden with them, dominating many of our rituals.
