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Starting over How do you create new traditions? The year my mother died and my marriage collapsed I was left with this question and two small children to reassure that life goes on. We took a day trip to Newburyport. It has become our primary holiday tradition and marks the beginning of the season. We travel up Route 1A and park alongside the harbor. First stop, The Dragon's Nest, where the kids pick their Advent calendar; then across to stand in front of the beautifully decorated Brass Lyon, where their annual holiday photo is taken; up Inn Street to the Rose Medallion, where the now teenagers remind me "look but don't touch," and we each buy that special one ornament for the tree; over to State Tree Candle and Mug to pick up the Advent and bayberry candles, which will burn throughout the season; down Middle Street to the Grog for lunch; back down State Street to Another Atmosphere to pet the resident cat, Cindy; back up State Street to the Best of British for our supply of Twiglets and Crunchies. On our way out of town, it's on to TenderCrop Farm on 1A where we select our tree and wreath and buy our cheeses and beef for our fondue supper before the fire. We relish our togetherness, opening our parcels and sorting our gifts - especially the new ornaments, which will be listed in our ornament register as they have been for the past 10 years: "for Carrie and Colin, from Mommy - Newburyport, 1998." HELEN WATSON-FELT Salem

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