The Yum of Traditions

Latkes sizzling in the pan, Christmas morning by the tree, lights of Kwanzaa. Traditions give us a way to connect with those before us and those around us. They make us feel good. 

The warmth, closeness and downright coziness of traditions makes them scrumptious. I'd pinch a tradition's cheek if I could.

Ilene's family is big on tradition but she hasn't been shy about adding a twist or creating new ones.

"Traditions like Thanksgiving dinner, Passover seder, Hanukkah celebrations, family vacations have all been passed down. Just like when I was growing up, the five of us always travel together and plan our vacations a year in advance with all the tours and reservations planned out day by day. We enjoy being together as a family and seeing new places, but also doing the same things that we love over and over again. Like our yearly family reunion and going to Cabo with the cousins. These trips are our tradition. We always go to Maui and eat at our favorite sushi place and snorkel at our favorite spots, etc. We enjoy each other and laugh together so much. I love how close and comfortable you all are especially when we are on vacation. Like that time in NY when Solly laughed so hard at the Statue of Liberty cafeteria that he fell off the stool and was just lying on the floor laughing! We have so many funny memories."

Some traditions stretch across the generations and others are just being started. Hopefully, they give us a sense of appreciation for what we have.  

Rather than continuing a tradition for its own sake, think about what purpose they serve. Here are some questions that may be useful in evaluating a tradition:  

• Is it significant to your family and why? 

• What feelings does it evoke?

• How can you take an old tradition and bring even more appreciation to it this year?

Traditions don't have to be serious to be meaningful. They just have to have that yum. Hope your holidays are delicious!