Write about a few of your favorite family traditions.

With my near complete dissolution over the past few years, and mitochondrial waveform family consisting of my cats and some plants, I’ve been questioning everything- including which holidays to celebrate and why. I changed my attitude about lots of stuff holidays included.

This year for the first time, there was no dressed up tree being in my living room. I had no feasts to excess that left me ill afterwards. But I hung the walls with greens and lights. It was cheerful overall.

I made up a new holiday – becoming “1” day – August 5th. That was/is to celebrate becoming whole again after divorce and being possessed by a l’Ove daemon for the last 6 years.

It takes place In the middle of the summer so air is extra warm and light. Still in development though there were holy water ablutions last time. I’m imagining it’s a great ‘shift’ dance night – wearing not much else!

I love Juneteenth – it’s bubbles, freedom and liberty. Here’s an essay I wrote: https://drjenwyman-clemons.com/2024/06/19/juneteenth/

I change my linens to suit ongoing holidays – like put on a red table cloth and decorate with hearts for Valentine’s- makes good sense as then (and now) we’re nearing the ~end of the cold low light wintry gray season. Like Spring fever in reverse – spirit’s getting a little sick of it!

If I have a good reason to celebrate any holiday – it encourages me to ‘dress up’ my house and have a special meal. It cheers me. Maybe buy a gift. In the giving we receive. I also leave a few decorations up year round to remind me of those my favorites. If they’re worth dedicating a whole day to – they’re worth being frequently remembered.

And, with each monetary engagement of my gestures, my participation supports the local economy. Celebrating traditions we increase trade.

With each holiday with give our attention – we reap – more of that. It is said there’s a “baby deficit”, countries are bemoaning a dropping birth rate. There should be a holiday for that – children. Celebrate with streamers, balloons, and cakes. Paint life cheerier meanwhile – of nature – but more spring and summery. Get rid of grays.

Celebrate them. Have open daycare centers where artists can draw and observe. Create recreation rooms and centers ~free for everyone. (like my Souk school and Adult Collective).

Plaster their posters up – and not because they’re lost. Celebrate them getting badges and responsibilities – real ones that lighten everyone’s load(s).

Pipe music that’s light, lively, and makes you want to skip! A holiday like that could be celebrated near and far and reap benefits.

All is Inshallah!