Because traditions are important in life, I feel we must honor them to the best of our ability.
Therefore, after spending the Thanksgiving holiday week with my dad and family, I’m reminded of just how important they are.
As you know, this was the first Thanksgiving without my beloved mom.
As a result, my dad wanted to keep all of our family traditions the same.
I mentioned I was making Mom’s stuffing recipe. With Dad’s help, we recreated it the best we could, despite not having any measurements within her recipe!
We were pleased it turned out so well.
The best I could count, 37 people shared in our precious family Thanksgiving at the church hall.
My times with Dad, my siblings, two friends from childhood and extended family, were priceless.
How about you? Do you slow down more as your life is moving on, finding appreciation for people, places and things more often?
Another tradition my 3 sisters and I honored, was decorating Dad’s home for Christmas, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Since we have been doing this for several years with Mom, it was quite emotional without her. When my sister put on Mom’s Christmas music, that is when I lost it.
There’s something about music that gets right to my heart and soul. You can view the photos at the top of some of our holiday decorating.
With our loving tribute to Mom, we decorated as close to what she liked as possible, honoring the tradition.
A new tradition we began after the decorating was complete, was visiting Mom’s grave.
As you can see in the photo below, the festive grave blanket, complete with pine needles, poinsettia’s, a vase filled with Christmas flowers, and a flag, brightened it up.
Mom would love it.
It began to snow as all 4 of us sisters, paid our respects to Mom. It was my first visit to her grave since her funeral on August 20th.
However, I feel Mom’s presence around me as I talk to her often. I know she’s in a better place. I know she’s happy, whole and healthy now.
Her physical presence is greatly missed.
With Christmas coming soon, I will be back with my Dad and family. The newest member of our very large family, our granddaughter, Elianah, my daughter Abby and son-in-law, James will be with us. With a new life, new traditions will be created.
For instance, a family tradition in the church I grew up in, was dedicating a newborn. Elianah will be dedicated the Sunday after Christmas during the church service, wearing the white dress we girls wore.
Many of our family members will join in and then afterward, enjoy our large family Christmas, once again in the church hall.
Other traditions that will carry on in our family is celebrating monthly birthdays.
Because I am the only one besides my son and daughter and families that don’t live in Toledo, we don’t get to help celebrate these birthdays. Same with Easter. A big gathering takes place at the church hall with food and an Easter egg hunt. Summer brings many gatherings at Dad’s summer home.
Dad, his only living sister and their cousins, get together in the summer and also now at this time of year. Such a great tradition to experience!
I feel extremely blessed to be a part of this big, beautiful family my parents created. The values and faith they instilled in us, are being carried on.
What are some traditions you have in your life?
They can as small and as important as your everyday inspirational readings, prayers, exercise and meditating.
I do know, what ever they are, as traditions are enjoyed regularly, I feel a sense of peace, love, joy and calm more often.
As I looked up this topic, I found 5 reasons traditions are important as you follow them:
- Memories
- Something to look forward to
- Families become closer
- Bridges a gap between generations
- Creates a sense of identity
Finally, as you move through this blessed season, my hope is you will slow down, appreciate, show it and enjoy your existing traditions as you may create new ones.
With love and appreciation for you,
Connie
PS. Here is the link to read more of the article I got the 5 reasons traditions are important from:
PSS. Below is the photo of Mom’s grave the day my sisters and I went.
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