Traditions keep us grounded. They also make us miss home. (Desiree Panlilio).
As November wraps up and December takes center stage, my mind often meanders through the whirlwind of holiday preparations. I find myself contemplating the delightful chaos that accompanies this festive season. It’s a time when the air is infused with the aroma of freshly baked cookies, twinkling lights adorn homes, and families come together to create cherished memories. But beyond the hustle and bustle, I also reminisce about the traditions of yesteryears, the memories of my own childhood, and how these traditions have woven themselves into the fabric of my own family.
Traditions, I believe, are like anchors for the soul. They serve as touchpoints, reminding us of who we are, where we come from, and the values that we hold dear as a family. And for me, one such tradition involves the unlikely hero of our holiday gatherings: the jigsaw puzzle.
Now, you might be wondering, how can a puzzle be the centerpiece of a tradition? After all, isn’t the holiday season supposed to be about decking the halls and indulging in festive feasts? Well, let me take you on a journey through the puzzling world of our family traditions.
Picture this: Every year, without fail, my parents would purchase a jigsaw puzzle for us to tackle as a family. As a child, I sometimes saw it as more of a chore than a cherished tradition. My young mind couldn’t quite comprehend the allure of spending hours huddled around a table, searching for elusive puzzle pieces. Yet, as the years passed and I became a parent myself, I realized the profound beauty in this seemingly simple ritual.
You see, assembling a puzzle isn’t just about connecting cardboard pieces; it’s about forging connections within our family. It’s a chance to slow down in a world that often feels like it’s spinning out of control. It’s an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations without the sometimes-intense scrutiny of eye contact. Who would have thought that the act of piecing together a puzzle could offer so much closeness and bonding?
As my own daughters grew, they, too, became enamored with this annual puzzle tradition. It was heartwarming to see the torch being passed from one generation to the next. What started as a somewhat obligatory family activity transformed into a cherished bonding experience. We’d gather around the puzzle table, each of us adopting our unique approach to solving the puzzle. There were the edge-piece enthusiasts, the color-coordinate connoisseurs, and those who enjoyed the thrill of finding that one elusive piece that completed a section. Our youngest would often hide a piece so she could finish the puzzle.
But beyond the strategic placement of puzzle pieces, our puzzle time became a space for storytelling and laughter. We’d share anecdotes from our days, delve into discussions about life, and exchange jokes and puns that could rival any stand-up comedy routine. All of this happened while our hands were busy assembling a picturesque scene.
And so, this humble tradition taught me that the essence of the holidays lies not in the grand gestures but in the little moments of togetherness. It reminded me that the chaos of life can be harmonized through shared experiences. Our family puzzle tradition grounded us in the present, connecting us with our past, and imparting the values of patience, collaboration, and the importance of quality time.
As I reflect on the jigsaw puzzle that is our holiday tradition, I’m reminded that sometimes the most cherished traditions are the ones that, at first glance, may seem ordinary. They are the ones that, over the years, create extraordinary bonds, laughter-filled memories, and a sense of continuity that bridges generations.
So, as you navigate your own holiday traditions and create memories with your loved ones, remember that it’s not about the grandeur of the festivities but about the heartwarming moments of connection and the traditions that ground us, uniting past, present, and future in a tapestry of love and togetherness. And who knows, maybe a jigsaw puzzle will find its way into your holiday traditions, too.