Posted on Wednesday, 23rd December 2009 by Catherine

On this Eve of Christmas Eve I was inspired to put a question out on Facebook.  I wondered if Santa “wraps” gifts at your house.  I encouraged my friends to put on their “sharing shoes” and tell about their traditions on Christmas morning.  I got nearly 20 responses all of them unique and full of energy.  I could tell in their writing “voices” that people were passionate about their traditions and proud to share them.

Each of us probably has traditions that we grew up with and as we came into adulthood, married and started families we adopted new ones and most likely kept some of our special childhood rituals.

Tradition is defined as:

1.	the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information, etc., from generation to generation, esp. by word of mouth or by practice

2.	something that is handed down

3.	a long-established or inherited way of thinking or acting

4.	a continuing pattern of culture beliefs or practices.

5.	a customary or characteristic method or manner

*Source Dictionary.com

Having long standing family traditions is important and very much keeps families connected; often to those who are no longer with us. In an effort to keep the memory of my mom alive a bit I have adopted things that she once did not realizing all the little traditions our family had.

For example, she used to purchase a dated Christmas ornament each year for my brother and I.  When my kids were born she purchased one for them too.  She loved picking out something unique to that year and to them.  When I got married she gave me the majority of “my” ornaments to help start our collection.  Now that she is gone I have most of her ornaments as well and I have taken to purchasing an ornament for my kids each year.

Even though it seems that traditions are “handed down” and long standing as the definition states it is never too late to start new traditions for your family.  Each year I try and add a little something to our traditions.  It could be birthday related, Mother’s or Father’s Day, or any of the holidays we celebrate.  Sometimes I like what I have added or changed and so I “adopt” it into our ritual.  Other times I don’t and so it was a one “hit” wonder per say.   It can’t hurt to try new ways of doing things and creating special memories for our kids along the way.

Usually I wrap everything a week or so before Christmas and fill up the tree.  I love to see the gifts stacked up and watch the kids as they wonder “what is in THAT big one”.   This year due to my adorable, loving, curious, big eyed two year old son I have been forced to keep all presents wrapped in a tub in our basement.  Tonight I was thinking about how fun it will be to bring them all out tomorrow night and see the kids reaction when they come down the stairs Christmas morning to a tree full of love.

I told my husband I may make this a new tradition – not put anything under the tree until Christmas morning.

It is exciting to add traditions to your family.  Keep things “fresh” and new but still include your heritage and favorite family rituals. Doing things just because that is “the way we have always done it” can get repetitious.  Don’t be afraid to try new ideas and see if you can find unique traditions to add to your family history.

I would love to hear about  your favorite “new”  family tradition.

Mine started 8 years ago.  I host a brunch Christmas Eve morning for our friends and neighbors.  Breakfast is my favorite meal and generally people are not doing much the morning of Christmas Eve so it works. So now you know….I should be getting ready for my brunch but I have had traditions on the brain today and wanted to take time to share.

From my family to yours – have a very  Merry Christmas.

Enjoy one another, hug your kids tight and say a prayer for all those who are less fortunate, fighting illness and for those who can’t be with family this year.

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