For many, holiday traditions offer more than just a festive atmosphere—they provide a sense of continuity, comfort, and a link to past generations. For Britt Middleton, one of these rituals took root in her childhood, centered around the early morning moments shared with her father before he left for his fire station shift. These were precious, fleeting times filled with joy, symbolized by a crackling cassette of The Temptations’ Christmas Card and a microwaved cup of Swiss Miss hot cocoa.
As a child, Middleton understood the weight of her father’s role as a firefighter and Navy veteran. Her family’s Christmas morning routine, though brief, felt like a shield—an anchor in a world filled with uncertainty. These moments weren’t just about gifts or rituals, but about preserving a connection to both family and heritage, especially in the context of being one of the few Black families on their block.
For Black families, traditions are a vital form of cultural preservation. They are not just celebrations but acts of resilience. The foods shared, especially during Christmas dinner, are rich with significance. Middleton fondly recalls the “Macaroni-In-Chief” in her household: her mother, whose recipe for macaroni and cheese has been passed down as a form of trust, pride, and family heirloom. The dish, a staple on many Black Christmas tables, also serves as a reminder of the history behind it—credit for baked macaroni and cheese goes back to James Hemings, a Black chef enslaved by Thomas Jefferson, who brought the recipe from Paris in the 18th century.
Beyond food, music has played a significant role in shaping these traditions. Songs by Sam Cooke and The Temptations have warmed homes for generations. Middleton acknowledges how different her family’s holiday soundtrack is from the traditional tunes often heard in mainstream American Christmas films, which often feature Frank Sinatra or Bing Crosby. For her parents, growing up in the Jim Crow-era South, embracing Black culture was not just about music but about reclaiming and celebrating their identity in a world that tried to erase it.
However, not all experience the holidays as a joyful occasion. For some, the season exacerbates feelings of loneliness and isolation. The pressures of economic hardship, systemic racism, and mental health challenges are especially pronounced during this time, with experts noting that these struggles can be even more intense for Black Americans.
While traditions can be a source of comfort, Middleton acknowledges the uncertainty many feel heading into the new year. With the second inauguration of Donald Trump as President, many Black Americans, particularly Black women who overwhelmingly supported Vice President Kamala Harris, feel a deep sense of unease about the future. In light of this, Middleton emphasizes the importance of holding onto traditions as a grounding force during such uncertain times.
This year, Middleton has chosen to create new traditions with her partner. Instead of traveling to visit family, they plan to stay home, surrounded by the warmth of familiar decorations and music. Jackson Five’s Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer will be played alongside newer tracks like Kendrick Lamar, while they indulge in Egg Benedict and revisit Coming to America. These new traditions are a blend of nostalgia and new beginnings, offering a sense of comfort and excitement as they prepare to build their future together.
Whether old or new, traditions offer something invaluable—a sense of belonging and continuity in a rapidly changing world. As Middleton reflects on the holiday season, she encourages others to cherish their own rituals, recognizing the deep connection they offer to the past, present, and future.
In times of uncertainty, it’s the sacred thread of tradition that can offer the most comfort—reminding us of what we hold dear and providing strength as we move forward.
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