This week I read at msnbc that people are returning to tradition this holiday season. No one is going for the latest fads, instead returning to the traditional colors and styles of years gone by.   It isn’t too hard to deduce that people are seeking is the security of the past, a reminder of when times were simpler. 

So this year when you go out shopping you will see more of the traditional items that you might have had in your home growing up, our in your grandmother’s home, and less of the cartoon character Christmas decorations or the passing fads.  Personally I am going to be doing a lot of baking this year, saving money and time spent shopping.   I want to cultivate the traditions that we have had for years and maybe make some new ones since we are in our new home in a new state.

I am looking forward to Thanksgiving, too, in a way that I have not for many years.  I think that is the one silver lining to the downturned economy– the ability to truly be thankful for all that you DO have.  The economy has hit my little family hard.  At first I found myself thinking that it could be worse, not exactly the most upbeat of sentiments.  It has now evolved into thinking about how very lucky, even blessed, that we are.

I  think that most of us like to stick with traditions, but it can be easy to get stuck in the buy-buy-buy rut during the holidays.  This year I will be making and baking gifts  with my kids.  Perhaps dusting off those jam recipes that I haven’t touched in years, baking breads and cakes, making cards.  I can’t help but think that in the long run we will all be better off for it.