Young children learn about the passage of time in
its earliest form from the daily cycles of morning, afternoon and night. As
they grow, they begin to become aware of the yearly seasonal rhythms and
cycles. As we now enter Autumn, we enter a time of year where there are many
holidays and religious and cultural practices which often have a deep and
intense feel about them. Perhaps this ties into ancient practices around the
harvest and preparing for the harsh winter. The hours of daylight wind down and
cold approaches. Seasonal rituals are important as ways to celebrate the
seasons but also as a marker for the passage of time. These rituals give us
comfort and create bonds within families and communities. As adults, we often reflect on the past but as
children become aware, they often begin to look forward and to anticipate
favorite holidays.
We
sometimes forget that we don’t have to automatically follow traditions in quite
the same way as our family, friends or neighbors. We can create or revive
traditions for ourselves that enrich us or bring more depth and meaning to our
experience. Now is a good time to reflect and ask ourselves a few questions:
What is my favorite part of this holiday? What do I look forward to? What do I
dread? What gives me meaning? What interferes with my enjoyment? What do I want
to get rid of?

So take this opportunity to reflect and choose what
matters the most to you and your family and create a holiday season that gives
you joy. Happy Holidays!
Marla Nargundkar is a Montessori Guide at
Tree of Life Montessori School in Atlanta, GA.