Over the years, I’ve realized that some traditions don’t suit me anymore whether that’s because they’re a waste of time or simply because I don’t enjoy them. What’s the point of doing them? Instead of doing the customs because everyone else does, I do things my own way & it’s been quite fun working out what makes me happy! Here are eleven traditions I’ve ditched and what I’m doing instead.
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Celebrating Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is just a day of overcommercialization and instead of focusing on February 14th, I choose to show appreciation & love to my partner throughout the year. We might plan a surprise dinner on a random day or take a weekend trip when we feel like it. It feels a lot more genuine this way! Now, I no longer feel the pressure of making one day overly special.
Black Friday Shopping
The Black Friday shopping frenzy is just as bad as Valentine’s Day in terms of consumerism. So I gave it up. I use that day to relax or spend time with family & friends, rather than waking up early to chase deals. Whenever I need something, I shop more carefully at other times and seriously think about whether I actually need the item. Avoiding impulse buys has saved me money—and stress.
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Birthday Celebrations
Once upon a time, I loved hosting big birthday parties – yet I completely avoid planning huge events these days, because I’d rather spend my birthday doing something meaningful on this day. Sometimes, I’ll just take a day trip to a nearby town & might even spend some birthdays just having a quiet day at home and thinking about the past year. Whatever I choose, I avoid the stress of party planning. I start my new year feeling relaxed & focused which you really can’t put a price on.
New Year’s Resolutions
Making New Year’s resolutions never really worked for me & that’s why I’ve ditched that tradition. Rather than waiting for January 1st to set goals, I decide on new objectives whenever something inspires me. For example, last July, I felt the urge to learn guitar so I started taking lessons right away—there’s no need to wait for the new year. In doing so, I’m always evolving & don’t feel the pressure of those big promises that I usually forget by February! I actually stick to my goals because I’m not following some arbitrary start date.
Gift-Giving Holidays
I’ve stopped participating in the usual gift-giving frenzy during holidays like Christmas because, really, it’s just a waste of money. Now, I surprise my loved ones with presents or experiences when I find something they really love. It’s a spontaneous kind of gift-giving that feels more heartfelt. Best of all, it takes away the stress of shopping during the hectic holiday season because showing love for your friends & family never needs to be a specific date on the calendar. Isn’t that how things should be?
Fashion Trends
Chasing the latest fashion trends isn’t on my agenda anymore and rather than buying new outfits every season, I stick to clothes that make me feel good. My closet is full of comfy jeans & colorful scarves! Dressing this way lets me express my personality and I don’t stress about keeping up with the latest styles. Spending a fortune on designer labels? Not for me. And by doing so, I’m saving money and also improving my self-confidence.
Formal Dining Etiquette
I’ve stopped worrying about formal dining rules. These days, when I’m at a dinner party or hosting friends, I focus on the conversation & the delicious food instead of stressing over which fork to use! Last Thanksgiving, I invited my friends over & told everyone to simply relax. We ate, laughed—and nobody cared about any formalities. It made the whole thing so much more fun.
Greeting Cards
For me, sending traditional greeting cards for birthdays or holidays no longer has the same appeal since they often feel impersonal. Most of the time, people don’t read them anyway! Now, I take the time to write heartfelt letters or make a phone call to connect directly because making that personal connection feels more genuine & special. I’m doing it because I actually care about the other person.
Weekend Relaxation
I’ve changed how I spend my weekends and no longer just rest or go out drinking after a long week at work. Instead, I do the things I’m passionate about. For example, lately, I’ve been learning photography—so I’ll head out to the park on Saturday mornings to practice taking pictures of nature. Doing what I enjoy makes my weekends fulfilling which, in turn, makes me feel happier & more energized when Monday rolls around.
Traditional Meal Times
I’ve also let go of sticking to traditional meal times & I don’t force myself to eat breakfast at 8 AM or dinner at 6 PM. I just eat when I’m hungry. If I wake up early & feel hungry at 7 AM, I’ll have breakfast then—some days, dinner might be at 8 PM if I’m not hungry earlier. Listening to my body’s cues keeps my energy steady and makes me feel more satisfied. It’s freeing not being tied to the clock.
Conventional Work Hours
Similarly, the standard 9-to-5 workday doesn’t suit me & so I’ve organized my tasks around when I’m most productive. Since I’m more alert in the early mornings, I start work around 6 AM & finish earlier in the afternoon. And if I’m feeling inspired at night, I’ll work then instead. It’s really helped because I now get more done without burning out. All it takes is following your body’s schedule and speaking to your boss about perhaps changing your routine a little.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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