Begin New Holiday Traditions Once You Have Moved to Tulsa

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 came in the mailbox? Okay, if you are too young to have that miraculous remembrance, the Wish Book was a Christmas catalog, which included a glorious, beautifully illuminated tree on the cover, and pages and pages of playthings, and bicycles, and dollhouses--and matching jammies for the entire family. That catalog cover was a motivation for a perfect Christmas for millions of children who are Amazon-savvy adults today, and be honest, you kind of miss the thrill 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 eventually phase out, and something new takes the place of the old. Often they arrive at a healthy and organic finish--the matching pajamas come to mind--but in other instances, a tradition ceases too abruptly, causing you to be trapped in an emotional void. That is a frequent occurrence when you have moved to Tulsa and are confronting that primary holiday season in a new place, without your "this is what we typically do" safety net to traverse the season. Oh, you did not actually like visiting your Auntie Myrtle's for dry turkey for Thanksgiving? As well as those old neighbors whose concept of decorating was a yard (and roof) brimming with inflatables?? Well, it's time to let go and initiate some new traditions--ones that you and your family would like to do.

Friendsgiving

This really is a millennial event which has caught on over generational divides (numerous millennials have youngsters in high school these days), as a group that is on the move and thus spending the holidays away from their own home and family. Ask a few new friends--neighbors, co-workers, kid's friends families--over for a Friendsgiving dinner. You supply the turkey, or tenderloin, or the chopsticks (you're busting out--feel free to order in Chinese) and everyone provides a side dish or a dessert. Do not feel you need to invite countless, ask as few or as many as you want.

Volunteer

There are lots of volunteer choices throughout the holidays, and you may do it yourself, or as a family group. Churches, YMCAs, and coffee boutiques are a great resource for identifying opportunities, which range from helping out in a soup kitchen to delivering holiday dinners and presents and wrapping gifts for kids.

Attend an Event

Surprising as it can be to comprehend, there is a lot more to holiday entertainment than just one more amateur performance of the Nutcracker. You will discover holiday concert events, tree lightings, plays, as well as spiritual activities. A number of small municipalities host light extravaganzas--determine if there's one near you. Some places in the South have outdoor ice-skating rinks throughout the holidays--sure, you could wear shorts, however do bring mittens since it is a bit chilly out there on the ice.

Movie Night

Most of us grew up with the Grinch, and also those brilliant Rankin-Bass movies--who could ever forget about the Burgermeister Meisterburger? Create a regular movie evening over the holidays and go back to the old "Miracle on 34th Street" one week, and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" or "Christmas With the Kranks" the subsequent.

Plan A Getaway

If you are simply not feeling the holiday season this year, and you can manage it monetarily, plan a vacation. It is not too late to book a vacation somewhere hot and tropical, but if that isn't in the spending plan head somewhere not far away. If you can possibly comfortably travel there, New York reaches its finest throughout the holidays--the large tree at Rockefeller Center goes up prior to Thanksgiving, as well as the holiday shop windows along Fifth and Madison Avenues are nearly worth the journey.

Remain Connected

The internet makes it so simple to be connected with old friends and family when you are moving a long distance away--it's bittersweet, for sure, yet ultimately more sweet than bitter. You may share your festivities instantly or browse through photos more relaxed down the road. No matter what, keep optimistic--New Year's is only a week away and then it's all done until next year.