Comments on: All the World’s a Stage

By: Emily

Emily — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:34:47 +0000

Our family has stayed the same over the last several years but the scripts have actually changed due to divorce proceedings with one member and an increasing and inexplicable surliness of another. It actually makes me sad because our get togethers are less enjoyable. I want things the way they used to be but alas, no. And also, we used to get together almost every Sunday for dinner when my grandmother was alive and now it is a very rare occurence. Seems no one wants to make the effort. All this said, on my husbands side, things are the same as they ever were — and for that I am very grateful.

By: Sue Blanck

Sue Blanck — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 03:59:08 +0000

A lot of our ‘traditions’ have changed over the years, and we don’t even realize it. I’s sure my Grandmother would wonder just where I get some of my ideas about holidays. We have things we hold dear, people we have loved and lost, they take a bit of our hearts with them. I started a new tradition a few years ago. I started telling those I care for how I really feel, the words ‘I love you’ mean so very much. I lost my very dearest friend several years ago to cancer. I just couldn’t let her go without telling her I did indeed love her, and appreciated her friendship over the years. I make certain I say to my daughters ‘I love you’ at the end of a phone call, or when they leave, we just don’t know if we will be able to say that ever again. Maybe not a ‘tradition’ in some peoples eyes, but very important to my heart.

By: Kristen

Kristen — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 01:49:37 +0000

I just returned from a two week trip to visit both my family and my husband’s family and so your question about reenacting vs. creating a new script really resonates with me today. We are an interfaith couple and we lean on our natal families to provide the link to each of our religious traditions, but there is part of me that really longs to figure out how to create new traditions, using the good parts of each, with our own kids.

By: Gale

Gale — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:16:40 +0000

Our roles stay somewhat the same, but still evolve over time. As a husband and baby came into my life my role began to change. This year I was the hostess instead of the guest. And next year I will probably be the guest again. I think I would struggle to wear as many hats as you do, but I also enjoy the subtle differences from year to year.

By: jennifer

jennifer — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:23:32 +0000

One of our relatives always has to tell the long boring tale behind the presents she gives. As my husband calls it, “The story of your jeans and how I bought them.” If the item were amazing and unique, then maybe the story would be interesting. But it’s always as banal and deadly dull as can be. This year, we did not invite this relative to our Christmas celebration. Instead we had close family friends come join us. I loved shaking it up…but I have the feeling that next year the crazy relative with the droning story lines will be back. Out of obligation, pity and guilt. Sigh.