Winter is a challenging season. The weather turns cold, inhibiting our ability to connect with others, at times making us feel isolated and alone. Winter is a time when we must make an extra effort to interact with our friends, family, and neighbors. This is why holidays, celebrations, and lighthearted moments of frivolity take center stage this time of year.
Practicing rituals and traditions is vital to creating and sustaining a well-lived life. The repetition of traditions and rituals helps us grow roots; it allows us to take part in a legacy spanning many generations. When we practice a tradition, we are in fact linking ourselves to the chain of human history, providing a continuation of the kind of life that humans have lived since the beginning of civilization.
Each individual has his or her own traditions and rituals that signify something special and unique. The winter months give us many opportunities to establish traditions that can last for generations. One of my own traditions is to make hot toddies and my mother’s Christmas sugar cookies when my family decorates the Christmas tree. I serve them in Rosanna Christmas mugs and dessert plates. I use the same mugs every year to start off the holiday season. I play a variety of Christmas music, including jazz renditions sung by Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, and classical pieces by Luciano Pavarotti and Placido Domingo. For my family, this night represents the beginning of the winter holiday festivities. Together we transform the house, and when we’re finished, we find ourselves surrounded by the magical beauty of the holidays.
This led me to an idea for a contest. What are your unique family traditions for the holidays? Do you have a special recipe you always prepare for Christmas? A special hot drink you serve your children after coming in from a day in the snow? Maybe you have a special Hanukah menorah that’s been past down generation to generation. Do you celebrate New Year’s Eve with the same group of friends every year? I want to know! Tradition is the glue that binds us together and makes the holidays a time that everyone looks forward to celebrating.
Use your creativity to explain to me your traditions! Whether it is in a short essay (200 words or less, please!), in photos, or with a special family recipe, share with me your unique family traditions celebrating this time of year. I will choose winners personally. Join for a chance to win one of three amazing prizes!
Information
The Rosanna Holiday Traditions Contest will start on December 1
st, 2012 and end on January 5
th, 2013. Winners will be announced shortly after.
Prizes
- First Prize: An entire set of the French Linens Collection
- Second Prize: Les Fleur en Rouge teapot and set of 4 Mugs
- Third Prizes: Les Fleur en Rouge pitcher and set of 4 Pressed Glass Goblets
Official Rules
- Anyone, regardless of age or gender, is welcome to compete.
- Contest begins on December 1st, 2012 at 12:00 AM PST and end January 5th, 2013 at 11:59 PST.
- Submit up to four photos, recipe, or anything that conveys your family tradition, along with a short essay (200 words or less) explaining your tradition. Digital submissions must come as jpegs, around 4x5 inches, no less than 72 dpi and no more than 180 dpi.
- When entering, make sure to include your name, city, and an email or phone number where we can reach you. We respect your privacy and will not give out any of your information.
- Photos in hard copy will not be returned.
- Rosanna, Inc. reserves the right the use and/or publish photos of your submissions however we see fit. Photos may be published on social media sites. Publishing does not necessarily constitute a winning entry. By submitting your photo, you agree to these terms.
- Please email entries to info@rosannainc.com
- Mailed entries should be sent to:
Rosanna, Inc.
Attn: Holiday Traditions Contest
6755 East Marginal Way South
Building B
Seattle, WA, 98108
1
Good luck!
Warm wishes,
www.rosannainc.com
