My family's holiday traditions have become these elaborate productions that stress everyone out, but we keep doing them because we're afraid of disappointing each other or breaking with what's 'always been done.' We're all performing joy instead of actually experiencing it, but no one wants to be the person who ruins Christmas.
More people experience this than they realize.
Family members remain locked in increasingly burdensome rituals because no one wants to risk being blamed for dismantling cherished traditions, even as the traditions themselves have ceased to create genuine celebration.
“Where Are You with The examined playful life?”
If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.