Twas the day of Christmas and all through the house I sit here with my family in Eleuthera Bahamas.  I am feeling very blessed to have my family here sharing this island paradise.  There is no tinsel, tree or a multitude of presents.  There is no brined turkey, stuffing or mashed potatoes.  There are no stockings hung on the mantle.  We are taking a break from tradition. Every year my family has celebrated the traditional Christmas since I was a child.  Sitting together 6 months ago, we decided to make a change.  We love Eleuthera and have had the privilege of visiting every other New years Eve for the past 4 -5 years.  Of course this is change and not all of us are taking to it like ducks to water.  There has been a little discussion about missing the usual fare, the lights or the smell of cedar, but we understand the importance of change and being flexible with tradition as change is the only constant in life.

I watch my father now maneuver from a wheelchair.  Due to a back injury he is now in the chair at least for the next few months.  This was the man who danced around the pool on our last visit here.  This is the man who was a regular in the kitchen as he made his mouth watering rolls.  Now he navigates a different terrain, one of a disabled individual.   I watch my own relationship with tradition as I now navigate a new way of being in a  long term relationship with my mate of over 30 years.  Yes, we understand how uncomfortable change can be.  Many of us dig in our heels and lean into tradition and familiarity  even when it no longer serves us but we can allow change and growth to forge a new path.  Change will happen, whether we want it to or not.