Launch New Holiday Traditions Once You Have Moved to Tulsa and Oklahoma City

By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group 

Remember when you were a child and the greatest day ever was when the Sears Wish Book came in the mailbox? Okay, in case you are too young to have that wonderful memory, the Wish Book was a Christmas catalog, sporting a stunning, delightfully lit tree on the cover, and pages and pages of gadgets, and bikes, and dollhouses--and matching jammies for the family. That catalog cover was an inspiration for a perfect Christmas for millions of youngsters who're Amazon-savvy grown people currently, and be honest, you kind of miss the excitement of opening that Wish Book and seeing that year's Barbie Dream House on the inside cover.

That is the thing concerning traditions--they eventually phase out, and something new replaces the old. Often they reach a normal and organic ending--the identical pajamas come to mind--but in other instances, a tradition ceases too suddenly, leaving you stranded in an emotional void. That's a common occurrence when you have moved to Tulsa and Oklahoma City and are facing that first holiday season in a new place, without your "this is what we always do" safety net to navigate the season. Oh, you did not really like going to your Great aunt Myrtle's for dry turkey for Thanksgiving? As well as those old neighbors whose notion of decorating was a lawn (and roof) brimming with inflatables?? Well, it's time to let go and initiate a few new traditions--ones that you and your family like to do.

Friendsgiving

It's a millennial event that's caught on across generational splits (a number of millennials have youngsters in high school currently), being a group who's on the move therefore spending the holidays away from their home and relatives. Ask a few new friends--neighbors, co-workers, kid's friends families--over for a Friendsgiving feast. You provide the turkey, or tenderloin, or the chopsticks (you're bursting out--feel free to order in Chinese) and everyone provides a side or a dessert. Do not think you need to invite thousands, ask as few or as many as you like.

Volunteer

There are numerous volunteer choices throughout the holidays, and you may go it alone, or as a family. Churches, YMCAs, and coffee establishments can be a great source of identifying options, which range from helping out in a soup kitchen to delivering holiday meals and presents and wrapping gifts for little ones.

Go to an Event

Astonishing as it may be to recognize, there is a lot more to holiday activities than yet another novice performance of the Nutcracker. You can find holiday concert events, tree lightings, plays, and religious gatherings. Lots of little communities host light extravaganzas--find out if there's one near you. A few towns in the South set up out of doors ice-skating rinks during the holidays--indeed, you can be dressed in shorts, but do bring mittens since it is a bit nippy out there on the ice.

Movie Night

We all grew up with the Grinch, as well as those brilliant Rankin-Bass movies--who can ever forget the Burgermeister Meisterburger? Include a weekly movie date during the holidays and take another look at the old "Miracle on 34th Street" one week, and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" or possibly "Christmas With the Kranks" the following.

Plan A Vacation

Should you be simply not feeling the holidays this year, and you could manage it financially, plan a trip. It is not too late to reserve a trip somewhere hot and sunny, however if that is not in the budget head somewhere near by. If you're able to conveniently get there, New York reaches its finest throughout the holidays--the large tree at Rockefeller Center goes up before Thanksgiving, and the holiday shop windows around Fifth and Madison Avenues are virtually worth the visit.

Remain Connected

The online world helps it to be so easy to remain in touch with old family and friends when you are moving a long distance away--it's bittersweet, for certain, but ultimately more sweet than bitter. You can share your activities immediately or possibly scroll through pictures more leisurely later. No matter what, keep positive--New Year's is just a week away and then it's all over until next year.