Tradition

Tradition...what has become of it? I grew up with many traditions or what I would've called traditions ie: lakes in the summer, Christmas, morning at home followed by the walk over to grandma & grandpa Stroups!, Easter with the baskets in the morning, photo on the front walk, eggs hidden in the back lawn, Christmas eve pajamas - the only gift allowed to be opened at that time, not to mention all of the holiday family meals with the Stroups, Cox's & Drapers. When I got married my husbands family also had many traditions that we incorporated into our life. These too were holiday based but charished none the less. And now....

Well, sadly tradition seems to be falling by the way side. Sadly, my children are not close to their cousins, aunts or uncles and barely know one of their grandparents. Family reunions ~ well they don't fit into our busy schedules ie: weekend @ lakes, cookout with friends, summer vacations. Even when those reunions are held the same time every year, just like the holidays. With the exception of Easter you can pretty much count on Christmas on 12/25, Thanksgiving on the 3rd Thurs in Nov., and the same can be said for the dates for memorial day, independance day & labor day. Unfortunately what cannot be counted on is everyone making an exception & keeping up traditions.

I fully understand the challenges presented when there is distance involved, marriages, children, etc...BUT (& it's a big one) I stand by the old saying "when there's a will there's a way". My beef is...I feel the "will" is gone for most.

So as I complain I will in turn look into the mirror and start with my own family. Our own traditions and with luck I will be given the opportunity & blessings to make a difference for my future generations. (I pray that the good Lord will keep me well enough to do so as I age!)

If you're reading this I hope you have family traditions that you can hold on to and continue to enjoy! If not, take time to start your own...It's what memories are made of.