Launch New Holiday Traditions Once You Have Moved to Wichita Falls

By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group 

Remember when you were a kid and the greatest day ever was when the Sears Wish Book landed in the mailbox? Okay, if you're too young to have that magical memory, the Wish Book was a Christmas catalog, sporting a stunning, delightfully lit tree on the cover, and pages and pages of playthings, and bicycles, and dollhouses--and matching jammies for the family. That catalog cover was a motivation for a flawless Christmas for millions of kids which are Amazon-savvy grownups currently, and be honest, you sort of miss the excitement of cracking open that Wish Book and seeing that year's Barbie Dream House on the inside cover.

That's the thing about traditions--they at some point phase out, and something new takes the place of the old. Often they arrive at a natural and organic conclusion--the coordinating pajamas come to mind--but in other instances, a tradition ceases too unexpectedly, leaving you stuck in an emotional void. That is a common occurrence when you've moved to Wichita Falls and are encountering that initial holiday season in a new place, without your "this is what we normally do" safety net to navigate the season. Oh, you did not really like going to your Great aunt Myrtle's for dry turkey for Thanksgiving? And the old neighbors whose notion of decorating was a yard (and roof) brimming with inflatables?? Well, it is time to let it go and start some new traditions--ones that you and your loved ones want to do.

Friendsgiving

This really is a millennial thing which has caught on throughout generational splits (some millennials have teenagers in high school these days), as a group that is on the move and thus spending the holidays away from their home and family. Ask a few new friends--neighbors, co-workers, kid's friends families--over for a Friendsgiving meal. You provide the turkey, or tenderloin, or the chopsticks (you are bursting out--feel free to order in Chinese) and everybody provides a side dish or a dessert. Don't believe you have to invite multitudes, ask as few or as many as you wish.

Volunteer

There are many volunteer choices throughout the holidays, and you can go it alone, or as a family group. Churches, YMCAs, and coffee shops can be a super resource for identifying possibilities, such as assisting in a soup kitchen to supplying holiday food items and gifts and wrapping gifts for little ones.

Go to an Event

Astonishing as it might be to grasp, there's far more to holiday activities than an additional novice performance of the Nutcracker. You can find holiday concerts, tree lightings, plays, and religious events. Many little municipalities host light extravaganzas--figure out if there is one in your area. A few towns in the South have outside ice-skating rinks during the holidays--sure, you might be dressed in shorts, nevertheless do bring gloves since it's a tad nippy out there on the ice.

Movie Night

Most of us grew up with the Grinch, as well as those brilliant Rankin-Bass movies--who can ever forget the Burgermeister Meisterburger? Have a regular movie date over the holidays and revisit the old "Miracle on 34th Street" one week, and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" or perhaps "Christmas With the Kranks" the following.

Take A Getaway

If you are simply not feeling the holiday season this year, and you can manage it monetarily, plan a getaway. It's not too late to reserve a trip somewhere toasty and exotic, but if that isn't in the spending plan go somewhere not far away. If you can conveniently make it happen, New York reaches its finest over the holidays--the large tree at Rockefeller Center goes up prior to Thanksgiving, as well as the holiday shop windows down 5th and Madison Avenues are nearly worth the journey.

Keep in Touch

The internet makes it so simple to be connected with old close friends and family when you're moving a long distance away--it's bittersweet, for certain, however truly more sweet than bitter. It is easy to share your celebrations immediately or possibly scroll through photographs more relaxed in the future. No matter what, keep positive--New Year's is only a week away and after that it's all finished until next year.