The Start of Something New

Over the coming weeks, many of us will be forced to reimagine our spring holiday traditions. Whether holding a virtual Passover seder or having an Easter brunch for two, we need to take advantage of our current shelter-in-place lives to explore the real essence of these celebrations -- community, renewal, reflection.  

Close your eyes and think about your holiday. Perhaps an image arises. What key aspect or feeling emerges? It may be possible to replicate that quality in a different way.

David, a Familial client, lovingly described his family gathering together at the seder table over the years, first with his grandfather at the head, then his father, and now he is at the head surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. This year, he and his wife will use Zoom to gather and David will still feel his family around him.

For years, Leslie has organized a neighborhood Easter egg hunt. She loves the sense of community and joy that it brings. This year, she’s asking all the neighbors to hang pictures of Easter eggs in their windows or draw eggs on their sidewalks for a massive hunt.

Regardless of your tradition, the spring holy days connect us with our past while ushering in new beginnings. Social distancing allows us a chance to reflect on our traditions while finding creative ways to start new ones. There’s room for adaptation without, as my father said, “...detracting from the love of parents and grandparents, nor dimming the brilliant images of our childhood.” It’s more important than ever that we adapt and celebrate. It will take some planning, but who knows? This might just be the start of a new tradition.

I hope you have a wonderfully different holiday.