The Power Of Tradition
As the holiday season rolls by, I find myself humming the lyrics from Fiddler on the Roof “Tradition!” The holiday season especially brings to mind the cherished traditions my family practices, some passed down from my or my wife’s childhood, now lovingly carried forward with our own kids. But traditions aren’t just limited to the holidays. They weave through our lives, surfacing at special moments and anchoring us to our cultural and familial roots.
Traditions hold incredible power. They are the rituals and customs we repeat year after year, creating a sense of continuity and belonging. Whether it’s as simple as a Friday family movie night, or as elaborate as a holiday celebration, traditions offer a comforting thread of familiarity. They bring people together, foster emotional well-being, and give us something to hold onto when life feels uncertain. Traditions provide a sense of identity, offering a warm connection to the past and a foundation for the future.
In our family, traditions make us, uniquely us. It’s heartwarming to see our children embrace and continue these rituals as they venture into their own lives. Around the holidays, some of our favorite traditions include piling into the car to admire the twinkling holiday lights in nearby neighborhoods. One quirky tradition is hiding a pickle ornament on the Christmas tree, whoever finds it first gets to open a present, usually a new board game we play together that evening. On Christmas Eve, we gather to watch the classic film White Christmas before calling it a night. And on Christmas morning, we savor fresh-baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam; a newer tradition inspired by a Christmas trip to England years ago.
As the designated family baker, I carry on the legacy of my mother’s famous holiday treats: Molasses cookies, snickerdoodles, and caramel corn. The recipe cards, though worn and smudged from decades of use, remain treasures. My kids used to beg me to make these treats, and now, even though they’ve left the nest, we send them care packages every year with their favorite goodies. Someday, I hope they’ll bake these treats themselves, continuing the tradition for the next generation. Of course, our traditions extend beyond the holidays. They’re woven into the fabric of our family, creating a sense of connection and warmth that defines who we are.
What about you? What traditions bring your family together and keep your memories alive? Whatever they are, cherish them. Traditions are the threads that stitch our stories into something timeless and beautiful.
