Jeff’s Journal
By Jeff Whitaker
If you read my column regularly, you know that often this time of year I talk about traditions. You may be like me. I love traditions, especially this time of year. Too often, today the idea of tradition is dismissed as old fashioned or of little value. But when it comes to celebrating this special time of year, I want to encourage you to consider the upside and lasting significance of Christmas or Hanukkah traditions you have in your family.
As for our family, this year we participated in what we hope will become a yearly event. We took a trip to Cape May for their annual tree lighting at Congress Hall. From carolers to vendors to fire pits, a carousel and mini train, it was like a scene out of a Hallmark holiday movie. Although everyone in our family wasn’t able to join us, it really was a fun night.
We have several other traditions my wife and I have incorporated over the years. By the first week in December at least a couple of our children ask us when it will be Polar Express night. It’s a night we all anticipate. My wife buys new pajamas for each member of our family, wraps them up and everyone gets to open an early Christmas gift. Everyone gets in their new pajamas. Then we gather around the tv, put some homemade Hot Cocoa on the stove and “take an imaginary ride” on The Polar Express. It may sound corny, but if you’ve watched the movie, you remember the part where they serve hot cocoa on the train. When we reach that part of the movie, we pause it and serve up our own hot cocoa.
We also try to set aside a night to decorate the tree as a family. The truth is, as our family gets older, not everyone is able to make it to every tradition. But that’s part of life. Every Christmas Eve we gather before bed and read The Night Before Christmas. And then each Christmas morning we all meet to read the story of the first Christmas from the book of Luke in the Bible before we head to the tree to see the gifts and open packages. For us, it’s about reminding us of what the day is really all about. There are so many other traditions we have but my point is to cause you to think about the traditions you have and then take time to celebrate them. And if you’ve never had traditions to follow or think it’s too late to start, think again. It’s never too late.
What are some of the traditions you remember as a child and which ones have you carried on into adulthood? If you want to take a minute and drop me a quick email, I’d love to hear your traditions and possibly pass them on to our readers in my next column. I’ll leave out your name, but share the traditions if I get enough response. Drop me an email at
jeff@jeffwhitaker.com and put (Traditions) in the subject line.
Until next time, my hope for you is that you make the most of this season and take time to enjoy it with the ones you love. Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas!
Jeff Whitaker is a veteran broadcaster here in South Jersey. He now draws on his experience and training to work with companies and individuals to develop effective storytelling, communications and leadership skills. Find free resources and ways Jeff can work with you at jeffwhitaker.com
