Christmas Traditions, 73 x 83 inches, by O.V. Brantley, 2007

Today I will  observe my longstanding tradition of inviting 20 of my closest quilting friends to my Fabric is Better than Food brunch. There is no reason for the brunch except to enjoy good food, quilts and each other. We always have honey baked ham, pound cake and something we call happy cake. For 13 years those things have remained constant, and we love it that way.

I love traditions especially during the holiday season. There is something comforting to me about sameness. As I decorate my home for the holiday season, the crowning touch is to hang my quilt called Christmas Traditions. It is my reminder to pause a moment and reflect on all the traditions I hold dear.

We lawyers have a hard time pausing. There is always a deadline, a project, or the next client to land. I make a conscious effort to see my friends on the holiday party circuit — to pause a moment to let them know how much I appreciate their friendship.

If you don’t have a treasured tradition, maybe you should start one. It may be just the spark of joy you need.