Family traditions

     "Family traditions counter alienation and confusion. They help us define who we are; they provide something steady, reliable and safe in a confusing world."    

— Susan Lieberman

     Recently, our family enjoyed another of our favourite traditions, as 19 of us assembled around our thanksgiving table. 

     

     Family traditions are the rituals, practices and beliefs of a family that are handed down from one generation to the next. They help to shape the family by creating a sense of unity, warmth and togetherness. Priceless memories are created, helping our minds to be filled with peace, love, happiness and security. 

     Family ties become strengthened, and also help bridge the generational gap. 

     In earlier years, when Nels and I were parenting our young family, we had a few rituals we thought were important. One of the rules in our home was that we weren't allowed to go to bed angry. 

     ..."Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry..." Ephesians 4: 26. 

     Disagreements had to be resolved and restitution made between those involved. Accompanying this ritual, after saying, "Good-night" was always, "I love you!" Even to this day, when physically parting or ending a phone conversation, the meaningful words "I love you" are still exchanged. We need to reassure and remind our loved ones how much we care. 

     Thinking back on some of our little rituals, I'm reminded of how much fun our family had playing games together. 

     

Nathan Carter (left) and Jordan Harvey share a hearty laugh.

     Nels usually led the way with his favourite suggestion — Chicken Coop. Birthdays were always special times. We honoured the birthday person-of-the-day by freeing him or her from all household chores, along with special surprises. 

     Pausing to give thanks before each meal has always been a meaningful ritual for our family. Giving thanks is not simply a matter of being polite, but of expressing dependency on God, realizing, "every good and perfect gift comes from His hand." 

     Happy families stay together by intentionally spending meaningful times with each other, but it takes planning and resolve from each family member. 

     Since our premier set aside the second weekend in February as B.C. Family Day weekend, our family has tried to make it just that — a time to share together. 

     

Recently engaged couple, Sarah Eagles and Tyler Letourneau.

 When celebrating Christmas or Thanksgiving, coming together, sharing traditional dishes, and perhaps another family portrait, may just be the glue that helps keep a family unit together. For me, the value of these family rituals, is priceless!  

     Some rituals remind us of important spiritual truths. Before Jesus returned to heaven, He shared His last supper with His followers, reminding them and us, as believers, "As often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death 'till He comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26)  

     Perhaps we need to restore the meaning to some of our rituals, with a feeling of gratitude for the wonderful gifts traditions often bring.    

Tevye — "Traditions, traditions. Without traditions, our lives would be as shaky as... as... as a fiddler on the roof!"

— beulah