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Holiday Tidings, Traditions, and Togetherness
How can the rituals and traditions of the holiday season contribute to shaping our identity and sense of self?
Dr. Nate Balfanz, founder of Dr. Nate Psych
One of the most enjoyable aspects of being a mental health practitioner in a diverse, Southern California community is having the opportunity to learn about a patient’s cultural practices, belief systems, and traditions that may be similar or different from my own. These therapeutic exchanges not only enhance my understanding of the unique qualities of each individual but also provide patients with an opportunity to rediscover and reconnect with aspects of their identity that may have been overlooked. The holiday season, in particular, serves as an ideal time to reflect on the personal, family, and culture-specific rituals and traditions that contribute to shaping our understanding of identity and sense of self over the years. It is during these moments of cultural exchange that the richness of our diverse backgrounds becomes more pronounced, fostering a deeper connection between practitioner and patient.
What the Research Tells Us
Research has reflected time and again that there are numerous benefits to regularly practicing time-honored rituals, traditions, and routines for both the individual and collective psyche of a family unit. Specific to children and adolescents, research informs us that kids who have a good understanding of their family values and heritage, and regularly engage in culturally specific rituals are likely to grow up to become more resilient, higher-functioning adults. A 2000 study by Syracuse University researchers Samia Markson and Barbara Fiese demonstrated how children who were reared in families that placed a great deal of importance on cultural practices and honoring of traditions not only reported lower levels of anxiety but these meaningful family rituals also were shown to be a protective component of the child’s overall physical health and general wellbeing.
The researchers noted that a child who has a good grasp of the routines and rituals specific to their family is likely better equipped to take on life’s inevitable challenges and unexpected events.
Tips for Maintaining Rituals and Traditions This Holiday Season
- Connect with your local government or chamber of commerce to discover holiday activities tailored to your personal, cultural, and/or religious background
Given the diverse landscape of Southern California, there’s a good chance you will discover other individuals and families who share in your cultural rituals and routines. - Share
your time-honored, family traditions and values with the next generation to foster a sense of inclusion and connectedness.
This could also include empowering your child or the youth in your family by involving them in the creation of new holiday rituals that align with your family's values and belief systems. - Reflect on special memories from holidays past
Reminiscing about positive experiences from one’s past can help improve one’s psychological and emotional well-being (numerous treatment modalities incorporate the act of “reminiscing” as a key component of effective therapeutic practice). Take time out this holiday season to gather around the kitchen table with your family and friends, and encourage each other to share your most cherished memories from holidays past.
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