Traditions

Is anyone else humming Fiddler on the Roof? 

Traditions may be passed down from generations that came before us.  They may be fundamentally linked to our cultural or religious backgrounds or they may help us to connect with our current communities. Traditions tie families together through shared experiences.  And by now you know, I’m a huge fan of anything that builds connections.

Community

For kids, traditions provide a sense of predictability throughout the year. They should reflect who you are as a family and they should be something in which everyone can be invited to participate. Dave and Mikey are invited to participate in the Thanksgiving morning 5K, but they always choose to watch the parade at home instead.  Another fun tradition!

Cultural/Religious:

In our house, to be inclusive, cultural traditions like the Italian Christmas Eve Meal of the Seven Fishes have been modified (liberally). We do fun kid foods like crab cakes, fish sticks and stuffed clams.  We still do it this way now that the kids are older because we all love it and it is so easy for me in a week that is packed with craziness. 

Some of our Other Family Traditions:

• Epic Easter Egg Hunts
• Watching the Triple Crown Races with friends
• Cinnamon buns on Christmas morning
• Celebrating New Year’s Eve at home with an endless supply of appetizers

Just for Fun!

In our house, Shark Week is a family tradition.  Each year, we do it up!  Special desserts, a ‘shark’cuterie board and, when the kids were little, crafts and coloring pages too. Clearly, this tradition began with us, and was based off of Will’s obsession with sharks, but I bet this family tradition will go on as long as Discovery Channel airs Shark Week.