To my memory, I can’t say we really had any traditions growing up. We celebrated the holidays just as the average Christian family might. The only thing that sticks out to me is that my family was typically the host family. Everyone came to our house for the holidays, which meant a lot of cleaning for my brothers and myself.
When I got to college though, and when I got to talk with other people sharing stories about our lives, I realized how cool traditions can be. To me, what makes a tradition is something unique, something that transports you into a world of warm and loving familiarity. I think for the people who appreciate a lot of control and stability in their lives, traditions might be a favorite for you.
In college, living away from the family in an apartment, I have begun to find my own way and have started establishing some traditions. Especially in the movie department.
Every year for the past three years, I have had a Harry Potter Marathon on a few rainy days in the winter. Along with that, I have come to love the show Downton Abbey, and I am even writing this blog entry to the soundtrack of the show. This show has been added to my collection of yearly marathon traditions, specifically in the winter. In the summer, I watch Sherlock on Netflix, and every year for the past three years I have gone to Apple Hill.
It is a small collection of traditions so far, but they bring me an immense peace. A calm, full of warmth, giddy excitement, and pure enjoyment. I love these traditions because they are mine. I have chosen a few things I love and hold dearly to honor every year.
My traditions are an added bonus of things to look forward to as I move through the year and I intend to create more. I think they are important because forming a tradition is like establishing your own roots of joy and happiness that you get to relive every year.
What are you traditions? Traditions with your family or traditions that you have formed on your own, what do you look forward to every year?
