As we move through December, many of us feel that familiar tug of nostalgia — the scent of a family recipe, the sound of a favorite song, the way a certain decoration always seems to anchor the room. For me, it’s the smell of my step-mom’s Southern salmon stew simmering in the kitchen. And I absolutely cannot make it through Christmas without listening to NSYNC’s Home for Christmas album from start to finish — usually while I’m putting up the tree, hanging stockings that somehow reflect each of our personalities. These little rituals have become an unspoken rhythm in my life.

Traditions weave themselves in quietly, almost without our noticing. And then one day, we look up and realize the baton has passed: we’re the ones hosting the gatherings, sending the invitations, and deciding what “home for the holidays” truly feels like.

That shift — from our parents’ homes to our own, and eventually to our children’s — can be subtle or sudden. Maybe it starts the first time you roast the Thanksgiving turkey yourself. Or when you declare that someone must carry on Grandma’s chili cookoff. Or when the annual neighborhood Polar Bear Plunge lives on because everyone insists it does. But have you ever wondered how these traditions began? Sometimes they were intentional. Sometimes they were happy accidents. Sometimes they were simply what felt joyful in the moment.

TRADITION AS A CHOICE,

NOT A DEFAULT

We often reserve “new beginnings” for January, stacking resolutions on top of ourselves as the calendar turns. But those resolutions rarely stick — maybe because we aim for dramatic overhaul instead of small, meaningful rituals that truly root us in what matters.

So here’s a reflective question for this season:

Have you ever taken the time to be intentional about your traditions?

• What’s working for you — and what isn’t?
• Is there something you’ve always wanted to try but never made space for?
• Is there a ritual that sparks joy, reflection, or connection every single time?

Traditions don’t have to be picture-perfect or decades old to matter. They can be sparked by inspiration, celebration, or change — including moments of remembrance. Maybe it’s lighting a candle to honor someone you’ve lost, planting something new each spring, writing letters to your future self, or hosting a quirky themed party simply because it delights you. Personally, I would love to host a Seinfeld trivia night or a Eurovision watch party. Maybe this will be the year I finally make it happen.

One tradition I’ve been wanting to start is a weekend retreat to map out my life goals — 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, and even retirement goals. I want to revisit them annually to see where I’m growing and how my direction may be shifting. And even more importantly, I’d love to sit down as a family each year and talk about our collective goals. What do we want to experience together? A safari? Skydiving? A shared book list? Taking turns cooking dinner each week? It’s amazing how much connection can grow from dreaming out loud.

These small rituals — personal or shared — become guideposts. Ways to honor what shaped us while embracing what’s ahead.

BREAKING TRADITIONS

IS A TRADITION TOO

Sometimes the most meaningful traditions aren’t the ones we inherit… but the ones we outgrow.

As families change, homes change, and life shifts, we’re allowed to choose what we carry forward and what we lovingly set down. Passing the torch from one generation to the next doesn’t require recreating the past perfectly — it simply asks us to show up with intention, warmth, and a willingness to let things evolve.

Maybe this is the year you host.
Maybe this is the year you simplify.
Maybe this is the year you start something new.

THIS SEASON, LET'S CELEBRATE THE TRADITIONS THAT SHAPE US

At The Magnolia Inn, I see traditions unfold in countless ways: families reuniting for annual celebrations, couples marking milestones, girlfriends escaping for a much-needed weekend, or someone gifting themselves a moment of rest. These rituals remind us that traditions aren’t just about holidays — they’re about honoring what matters most.

As we wrap up 2025 and look toward a fresh year, I invite you to reflect on the small rituals that define who you are and how you connect with the people you love.

What’s your tradition?

Share it with us — you may be featured on our social media this month.

Send your stories, photos, or even a simple note to inspire others.

From our family at The Magnolia Inn to yours,

We wish you a season filled with light, warmth, and meaningful moments — new and old.