By Courtney Blewett

There is a reason why the holiday season is considered the most wonderful time of the year. Embracing holiday traditions is one way to make this season merrier and brighter. Whether it be carrying on family traditions or creating new ones – traditions bring a sense of nostalgia, joy, and comfort.  Traditions are unique to every family, but no matter how we all celebrate, there’s one thing we all have in common: the holidays are meant to be enjoyed with those we love.

A holiday tradition I will always cherish is setting up the Dickens Holiday Village display with my brother. Dickens Village is a collection of snow-covered village pieces that are traditionally displayed on a table. Once the holiday season rolled around, my brother and I we’re so eager to set up the village and put our imaginations to work and create the most magical display. We would first place the snow-covered buildings on the table then add cotton balls around the village to represent the appearance of snow. One by one we would accessorize the village with trees and all the little village people. Once the village was set up, the best part was next… plugging in the lights! The warm lights illuminated the snow-capped buildings, and the village came to life. Watching the village light up felt like I was frozen in time – a memory, and a tradition, I will never forget.

Now that my brother and I are older, we may not set up the Dickens village every year like we used to, but it stills holds magic in our hearts. I hope to carry on this tradition when I have a family of my own and see the magic light up in the eyes of my children – just like it did for me.

Traditions represent what means the most to you and your family during the holiday season. Just because you’ve done things one way, doesn’t mean that’s the only way. Traditions evolve over time as we do. It is never too late to create your own holiday ritual, or add your own twist on an existing tradition. However you spend your time at holidays, may it bring you joy and comfort.