Daily writing prompt
What traditions have you not kept that your parents had?
The idea of not keeping traditions from previous generations isn't or didn't keep me awake last night. Well, nothing did really. Although, I did wake up and have to go pee when Lynn eventually came to bed.
The problem I seem to be encountering this morning is remembering or recalling if my own parents had any traditions. And if so, would any of them be worth continuing on or tossing out the window.
In the past, I've written several pieces on the importance of traditions at Christmas time, especially within the context of a family unit. One of them was, "The Importance Of Christmas Traditions." One could logically take the important concepts from Christmas traditions and apply them to many non-Christmas, but family traditions.
Off-hand though, I'm having a real struggle coming up with any traditions my family had at all, other than the standards like dinner at Christmas and perhaps Thanksgiving. And who would want to give those up? We certainly don't.
On Lynn's side of the family and specifically her Dad's side, traditions seem to be a little more prominent and regular. A yearly summer family reunion held at some obscure village hall is one that we attended on a fairly regular basis.
The one tradition Lynn Lynn's parents attended yearly, was an annual cemetery remembrance(remembrance might not be the correct word) type of service/ceremony held at a cemetery in the village and area where her Dad's family lived and still do. Lynn's mom and dad attended every year for as long as I can remember. Not sure of the significance of the service, but there were always speakers, Scottish bagpipers and more than likely some sort of lunch held at some rural hall later.
In fact, this year, Lynn's Dad was hoping we'd drive 2000 km one-way to take him to it. Lynn's brother gets the honour this year and it's this upcoming weekend - Sunday, August 4th.
This would be one tradition that we have no problem not carrying on. I'm sure there is a great reason(other than it's a tradition) for the ceremony - but when I ask no one seems to be able to give me much of an answer.
As Lynn says, "I have Nooooooooooooo desire to go."
Both Lynn and I love traditions, especially at Christmas time. In fact, Christmas always gets slightly diminished for us if certain traditions fail to happen.
Ultimately, traditions within families can be exceedingly unique or can be very general traditions that many families would partake in. In the end, if it is something that brings a sense of peace, unity, or belonging and it isn't hurting anyone else, then who are we to suggest what a silly tradition that is. It just may be something the others aren't interested in.
--as always with love--
--- get outdoors; find inspiration; discover yourself ---
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