day 255

3 Gifts of Traditions

Traditions seem to be fading in our culture. There are numerous reasons why but perhaps one of the main reasons is busyness. We just don't slow down enough to reflect and celebrate the gifts of remembering, community and thankfulness. In the classic, Fiddler on the Roof, traditions though beautiful and gave a sense of safety, often crippled and isolated people. The main character,Tevye fought very hard to keep the traditions of his community. 

Traditions, traditions. Without our traditions our lives would be as shaky as... 

as a fiddler on the roof!

In the end when forced out of the way of life the people had known for generations, love won over with blessing and acceptance. It's a long film but worth the watch.

Traditions should always be motivated from love and community. 

We have a few family traditions that are mostly centered around Christmas. Even when we were in Korea we found a way to celebrate family and our love by carrying on these simple gifts.

1. Every Christmas we purchase a nutcracker for Zach and a snow globe for Lia. They each have quite a collection and Todd and I love searching each year for the next gift.

2. Every Christmas we make Chinese dumplings on Christmas Day. We started this the year we brought Lia home.

3. Every New Year's Day we BBQ. Rain, sleet, or snow, we grill! One year there were 3-5 inches of snow on the ground and Todd bundled up and grilled burgers and brats! It was awesome!

Christmas 2014