Family Traditions

I read an article recently that explored how family traditions cultivate the connection between immediate family members and between generations. It talked about the “we always" of families, like "we always make Spaghetti on Valentines Day" or "we always have games and popcorn on Saturday night." Because such traditions have special meaning to the family unit, they create feelings of warmth and closeness. By spending time together in a fun and special setting, family members grow closer.
The gaggle got together last Saturday night for a big spaghetti dinner at John & Rondi’s house (which for those of you who may not know is directly behind our house. We share the same back fence as you can see in the picture. . . our deck looking at John & Rondi's house) 13 of us all-together: Jesse & Elina, Misha, Elijjah, Gami & Grandpa, Papa & Mimi, Rondi & Karis, and just-arrived-back-from-a-two-and-a-half-month-vacation, Stephanie, Gabriel & Michael (who live in the same neighborhood a block away). In a few short months the family will be complete when daddy's Johnny and Brad come back home from Afghanistan. As the family has moved close to each other for the first time in many years, we are looking forward to establishing “we always” traditions of our own; traditions and practices that we repeat regularly with the intention of encouraging feelings of deep happiness and family unity. These will be more than run of the mill routines - everyday activities that require no special behavior and involve little emotion - I’m talking about the kind of traditions that are handed down from one generation to the next and that cultivate feelings of emotional closeness because the family isn’t neglecting one another.
Do you think it’s even possible to have too many family traditions? Is it possible to say “too often we do this or that?” I don’t really think so! But I guess if there were too many traditions it could water down the importance of each one; although, I think I might like to tackle such a problem as “You know those Pelikans? They have TOO MANY FAMILY TRADITIONS!” Ha!
I know that establishing new traditions will take preparation and effort, but I’m so glad to even have the opportunity of being able to try it. I’m especially interested in “Orthodox” family traditions that bring our family closer to God.
Please share some of your favorite family traditions with me in the comment box. I look forward to writing more about them in the near future.