As we enter the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the unique, sometimes quirky, traditions we embrace, share, and make our own. This post features the holiday traditions of real women—each with their own spin on how they bring joy, community, and empowerment into this special time of year. In true Not Srry* fashion, these traditions are about doing what feels right for you, whether that’s a classic family dish, a walk in nature, or a new ritual that speaks to your soul.  

A Fusion of Old and New Holiday Traditions 

For former journalist and PR professional Gretchen Giles, the holidays are all about blending timeless traditions with a fresh twist. “My English ex-husband introduced my sons and me to the magic of sausage rolls and Christmas crackers at the dinner table. Even though he’s no longer part of our celebrations, those traditions are here to stay.” 

She says sausage rolls—those irresistible, flaky, puff-pastry-wrapped bites of heaven—are a must for Christmas morning breakfast (or even second breakfast). Pair them with a glass of morning sherry, and you’ve got a new reason to love holiday mornings. Then, come dinner, pulling Christmas crackers makes for a playful, lighthearted evening as everyone pops open their crackers to find paper crowns and goofy riddles. It’s the kind of quirky fun that reminds Gretchen why she keeps these traditions alive—because they make the holidays uniquely hers. 

Gretchen has also found new ways to blend the past with the present. “While hiking recently, I was struck by the bright red and orange rose hips, reminding me of the Fall Plates I used to make with my sons when they were little.” With each walk, Gretchen gathers leaves, rose hips, and other seasonal finds to create a living display that reflects her time spent outdoors. Today, she adds a new layer to her ritual—taking a cannabis gummy before heading out, heightening her senses and deepening her connection with the natural world. It’s a holiday experience, enhanced and unapologetically hers. 

Holiday Memories on Display 

For Melissa Dennis, a military veteran and graduate student, the holidays are about reflecting on the year’s most meaningful moments. “During Christmas, I print out a bunch of photos from memories throughout the year and pin them up to lights on a wall that look like a Christmas tree. It’s a great way to reflect on special memories throughout the year.” 

Melissa’s celebration of life’s moments is a reminder to pause and honor the experiences we’ve had. Her tradition turns memories into a beautiful and personal centerpiece, creating a sense of gratitude and reflection for the entire year. 

Thanksgiving, Bold and Delicious 

Agency owner Tara C has inherited Thanksgiving from her mother, and she’s unapologetically made it her own. “Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday, and I have now inherited hosting from my Mom, which brings me so much joy.” Her twist on tradition? A cranberry curd with a hazelnut crust, a gluten-free recipe she discovered nearly a decade ago. “It’s a beautiful scarlet color. Sweet but not too sweet, this dessert is a delicious show-stopper.” Tara’s culinary creativity turns Thanksgiving into a celebration of flavor, color, and community. It’s about more than the food—it’s the experience of hosting with heart and adding her unique touch to the table. 

Sweet Notes, Sweeter Mornings 

For Haley Koford, digital creator @thehighwoman, the holidays are about creating a spirit of kindness and connection. “During December, my family keeps a jar where we write nice things about each other, and we open it up on Christmas morning. It is so sweet and brings out a beautiful spirit to start the day.” This tradition is a simple yet profound reminder of the power of positive words and shows how small acts can lead to the biggest smiles. 

At CaliLily, we celebrate these personal traditions as part of our mission to empower women in everything they do—whether it’s creating a new holiday ritual or embracing long-held traditions with modern flair. This is an apology-free zone where your choices and experiences are celebrated. 

So, how are you owning your holiday season this year?