It is a ritual in which we engage every year, regardless of the holiday. Rituals (because they have symbolism) dictate that certain things be made for religious festivals, however, holidays, such as Christmas, are more about what is traditional and seasonal. Each year we engage in familiar activities such as prepping fruits for cake, setting drinks, curing meats etc. And each year, we seek to improve them, regardless of how many years we have been making them. It’s all part of what makes the holidays, the holidays.
If we think carefully, it makes sense. During the year, there would have been personal growth and experiences. We might have travelled, been involved in certain activities, learned lessons and shared memories, all of which would contribute in some way to how we are planning and preparing for the holidays, whether that is through decorating, gift-giving or the food and drinks we prepare. Other major factors that contribute to this might be our physical and emotional state of being and their influence.
