Traditions

My husband’s family had a reunion this weekend. We gathered at the lake property that has been in the family for more than 68 years. The current cottage – the third, as the first two were burned down by vandals – has the exact same layout as the first. There is no electricity, just as always. There are propane lights and a refrigerator that runs on propane, same as years ago. No running water, most of the time. There’s a gas generator that runs a water pump, but it’s tricky and they don’t always have it working. So that means using the old outhouse, as has often been the case.

Family reunions are held there, because they have been for years. Pictures and stories of the past are shared and laughed over. New spouses and expanding families are brought into the circle through these stories. And these new people tell us their stories, and become part of ours. It was a delightful day.

Traditions help us feel part of a group. They keep us in touch with our past and let us know we’re not wandering around, rootless. And when they are enjoyed and relived with others of the group, they can, indeed, be delightful.

But next year, we’re going to get together in Iowa, at one of the cousins’ farms. And we’ll have just as much fun and maybe even get a little closer to one another because of the change. Some of the younger generations are beginning to do the planning, taking charge of the organization and the communications. In this way, the tradition will be passed on, but will grow as new people join our family.

We need to hold our traditions, no matter how much we love them, with a loose hand. If we hold on to them too tightly, insist on sticking to every single old way, we can lose all together. New people can feel excluded or can’t make it work, when a small change would let them in. New ideas, new stories, new people – we can keep the old, learn the new and enjoy both all the more.

What traditions have you added to – and enjoy? Share your thoughts by clicking “comments” below.