Frequently Asked Questions

 "Happy Gratimus!"

 Gratitude is at the core of this holiday: focusing on the good in our lives, the communities we care about, and the ways in which we can spread kindness to others in ways big and small. Gratus sumus means "we are grateful" in Latin, and as a mashup of those words, “Gratimus” rolls nicely off the tongue.

We are aware that there are books and characters that share this name, but they are not in any way related to this holiday or its origin story.

The idea for Gratimus came out of conversations we were having in 2022 about how to create a tradition for our family that would extend the aspects of Thanksgiving that we value – like time with loved ones and being grateful – into the entirety of the holiday season. We wanted something for ourselves and our kids that was different from the commercially-driven holiday craze and religious traditions to which neither of us feel deeply connected. Gratimus works for our family.

 Yeah, we get it. We strive to be good humans year-round, and we know lots of other folks who do, too. Hold open doors, donate to worthy causes, let folks merge with traffic, help our neighbors, etc. We also know how easy it is to get caught up in the daily grind and also in the whirlwind of celebratory holiday pressure even if you aren't totally at home with the messaging, history, or religious aspects they represent... especially when you have little kids who are learning about the world and taking their cues from how you engage with it.

Celebrating Gratimus means intentionally making time to live by the values we espouse about community, connection and kindness, showing up for the people we care about and those who need care, and making sure our kids are focused on helping their community instead of anticipating a bunch of gifts. We're exercising that muscle so that it's easier to flex it during the rest of the year. It’s one more way to celebrate during a season of celebration.

 The more conversations we had with people about our little tradition, the more people wanted to learn about it and try it out for themselves, especially those who were eager for meaningful and alternative secular holiday traditions. So the website makes it ‘official’ and offers some guidance for those who might want to add Gratimus to their list of family traditions.

 Some might celebrate this holiday with their family of origin, their partner, their cousin or their children. For others, it is their family of choice: the people they connect with and care about and who care about them.

We strongly recommend having *someone* meaningful with whom you can celebrate Gratimus, even if you aren't able to spend the time together in person.

 This is symbolic. The Saturday after Thanksgiving – a holiday that for many in the US is already associated with gathering together & giving thanks – is a perfect start to Gratimus. It keeps the focus on being grateful for what we have and what we can give instead of shifting into the typical commercial overdrive of the season. (And is it just us, or does that keep starting earlier and earlier?!)

The Winter Solstice, from the Latin 'sol' (sun) and 'sistere' (to stand still), is an astrological event that has been celebrated for thousands of years by many different peoples. North of the Equator where we are, the Solstice is the start of winter – the shortest day of the year and the longest night. As a day of astronomical significance that connects us to cosmic events, it is a fitting end to our celebration; we strive to continue the gratitude, goodness, and focus on the bigger picture as we look forward to inviting more warmth and light into the lengthening days ahead.

 Yeah, that tracks for us! Connect with us at happygratimus@gmail.com.