I’ve started a satisfying tradition that meets my resolution to Be a storehouse of happy memories. (And why is that a happiness-project goal? because reflecting on happy times in the past helps boost happiness in the present.)
Every Halloween, I take a picture of my daughters their Halloween costumes, put the photos in a Halloween-themed picture frame, and make a Halloween photo gallery.
I also give a copy to each pair of grandparents, so they have their own set as well.
Now, like any tradition, it’s a fair amount of trouble and a potential source of guilt. For example, this year, I’m not going to have the photos ready by October 31. I’ve taken the photo, but haven’t managed to order copies or buy the frames yet. So our gallery isn’t up-to-date.
And I feel bad about that.
But I’ll get it done, and in the end, a tradition like this is worth the effort and the guilt. It’s a lot of bang for the buck. It’s so much fun to look back on the previous years’ costumes. It’s a great element of house decoration. It gives a sense of family continuity.
One problem with most of the photographs we have around the house is that I stop noticing them. They fade into the background. Because these Halloween pictures are only out for two weeks or so, I enjoy them more.
It’s a little aggravating that I don’t get much cooperation from my team in getting the photo taken–putting on the costumes, striking various poses, taking a bunch of pictures, etc. And then of course those same family members (who shall remain nameless) love to look at the photos once they’re assembled. That brings me to another resolution: Let it go. It’s supposed to be fun! So no nagging, no snapping, on my part.
Have you found any great traditions to help celebrate the holidays?
* Interested in starting your own happiness project? If you’d like to take a look at my personal Resolutions Chart, for inspiration, just email me at grubin, then the “at” sign, then gretchenrubin dot com. (Sorry about writing it in that roundabout way; I’m trying to thwart spammers.) Just write “Resolutions Chart” in the subject line.
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