The familiar celebration becomes richer when new members contribute something recognizable as theirs.

Traditions survive by absorbing people rather than by being kept intact. When someone new brings a dish, a song, or a small custom from their own family, the celebration gains a layer instead of losing its shape. Refusing that keeps the form and slowly empties it, since people who only ever receive a tradition never come to own one. Belonging tends to begin the first time your contribution is on the table.

If someone has joined your family or your circle recently, ask what they used to do at this time of year. Then make room for one of those things without editing it.