During this time of the year I often think of traditions old and new that have become part of my legacy. Some being ‘Timeless’ as no one really knew who started them but we know they have been passed on for many generations. Others being somewhat strange or silly like rolling hard boiled eggs on Easter from the top of a big hill to the bottom, telling little children that Santa’s birds are watching them and reporting back to the North Pole or eating bacon wrapped chicken livers before Thanksgiving dinner.
The ones that have stuck with me the most are those that portray the deep love of someone for another person or their family. A tradition generally contains worth or value in as much that someone desires to continue it and carry it on with there own family and maybe even with their grand children in hopes that it will continue to be passed on with future generations. One that I loved was writing letters to other family members and putting them in our Christmas stockings to be read Christmas morning. I have kept those letters and reread them from time to time. One of my daughter’s has chosen to continue that tradition and includes me in it.
My mom grew up during the Great Depression. She always desired to have a doll for Christmas but never received one as a child. People were just too poor for such an extravagant gift. I guess this had a big impact on my mom, because every year from the time I was little I received a doll for Christmas. I grew up loving them. And I couldn’t wait to have babies of my own. All I really ever wanted to be, was a mother. I think their was valuable lessons passed on to me in that tradition of receiving a doll each year. It taught me to be grateful for what I do have. And even though I still love dolls and have passed that tradition on, there is so much more hidden in the compassion and love my mother showed to me. She has always been a person of few words but even today as she lives at 100 years old, I feel her love for me. Through reflecting on her life and challenges I am still learning and growing and I am certain I will continue to do so long after she has passed to the other side.
Traditions can tell part of a story. Your story. If you haven’t adopted any traditions from the past you can start your own. Anyone can start a new tradition that may become unchanged by time and transcend to future generations. You may never know the impact that a tradition you start today may have on those yet to be born.
by Tanya Christiansen
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