Traditions

Traditions are a wonderful way of observing continuity and stability. While they are generally practiced around special events such as holidays and birthdays, they can occur in other ways. In our family we had a tradition of Sunday dinner that extended well into our adult years. It was a time when we would set aside our other activities and commitments with friends and come together as a family. The conversations were never very deep, but there was always a sense of caring and belonging. Nor did our commitment to participate in sharing dinner come from a sense of obligation. There was a sense of joyful anticipation that accompanied it even when we had to contend with snow and ice to get there. This is only an example of one tradition which, because of the passing of my mother and the fact that the rest of us are scattered around the country, has long ceased. What never ends is the warm memories attached to those Sunday dinners. What tradition do you recall within your life that brings up warm memories?