Diane Gottsman | Leading Etiquette Expert | Modern Manners Authority

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The Comfort and Joy of Holiday Traditions

14 Dec 2020 By: Diane Gottsman

Holiday traditions provide a level of stability in the often frantic chaos of the season. It’s the fun of baking and decorating the always imperfect gingerbread house, laughing through the white elephant gift exchange among the siblings, wearing the matching pajamas that your mom (a.k.a. me!) has purchased every year since you were children and now adults. Whatever you do special in your own household, traditions are a way to remain connected and feel loved.

holiday traditions | close up of holiday socks on three people sitting near the fireplace

Whether it’s watching a Hallmark movie or laughing through Christmas Vacation together for the 50th time, sharing the screen together is a form of respite, especially this year, in the confusion we are still experiencing due to the pandemic. Ritualistic behaviors, traditional (and nontraditional) celebrations build bonds, forge bridges and give us a sense of belonging. Reminiscing about previous years keeps the memories alive. There is solace in knowing you can always go home. Even if it means making a new home where ever you are at this moment. Just as kids and even beloved pets crave stability, adults deserve the same sense of well-being and tranquility. It’s up to each of us to create a safe, regardless of the size of your home or the depths of your bank account.

A homemade pizza night, a card game, a rousing game of charades, sitting on the couch and drinking a cup of cocoa with your kids or a friend via Zoom are all steps in the right direction to the joy of the holiday season. 

If you are looking for a few ideas for holiday traditions, here are some of my suggestions.

  • Watch A Charlie Brown Christmas
  • Enjoy Outdoor Activities (if you live in Texas!) i.e. Tennis, Pickle Ball, Hiking, Biking
  • Celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas
  • Twelfth Night Cake
  • Make Your Own Yule Log
  • Stream a Fireplace on Your TV and Drink Cocoa
  • Bake a Buche de Noel
  • Make Your Own Cider
  • Take a Walk or Drive to See Christmas Lights
  • Have a Secret Santa Exchange with Your Own Family
  • Decorate the Tree Together
  • Zoom in With Your Grandparents
  • Mail Greeting Cards and Have Kids Help
  • Write a Letter to Santa

You may also like How to Keep the Spirit of Joy Present This Holiday Season. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.

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Diane Gottsman

Diane Gottsman is a national etiquette expert and modern manners professional, sought out industry leader, television personality, accomplished speaker, Huffington Post blogger, author, and the owner of The Protocol School of Texas, a company specializing in executive leadership and etiquette training. Diane is routinely quoted in national and international media including The New York Times, The BBC, CNN, Bloomberg Business Week, Kiplinger, Huffington Post Canada, U.S. News and World Report, and Forbes. She is the resident etiquette expert for two popular morning talk shows, SA Living and Good Day Austin. She has been seen on The TODAY Show, HLN Headline News, WGN Chicago, and CBS Sunday Morning. Her clients range from university students to Fortune 500 companies and her workshops cover topics ranging from tattoos in the workplace to technology at the dinner table and the proper use of social media.