The Traditions That Bind Us
Traditions are like threads woven through our lives, connecting generations. One of the reasons I cherish the Christmas season is its powerful pull into my childhood memories, filled with the love and influences of my parents and grandmothers. ❤️
My grandmother knitted our stockings long before I was born, and my mom has continued this beautiful tradition by finding talented knitters to create them for our growing family. They may not be designer pieces, but to me, they are priceless—representing a lifetime of memories and capable of holding an abundance of goodies!
When my kids were younger, my mom started some thoughtful traditions that they still cherish as adults. One special memory is the annual bread dough ornaments created by a local craftsman. Each year, my mom had an ornament made that captured each grandchild's favorite activity. From sports uniforms to a tiny angel in a Nutcracker costume, to the favorite Halloween costume, to the crowning of Homecoming Queen, and so on, each ornament tells a story. My mom would always have them wrapped and ready at Thanksgiving. My kids, along with their cousins, would anticipate the bread dough ornament reveal and be delighted as they unwrapped their treasure.
Collecting these keepsakes became a cherished ritual—so much so that I got a second tree just to showcase them. Now, when my adult kids are home for Christmas, we love to revisit these treasures, sharing laughter and reliving those wonderful seasons packed with memories.
Another special tradition my mom started was ordering the Metropolitan Museum of Art Silver Snowflake ornament for each grandchild, each year. Each snowflake is a stunning representation inspired by a masterpiece from the museum, and they're always intricately designed and uniquely beautiful. ❄️
Mom dreamed that once her granchildren grew up and settled into their own homes, they would have their own beautiful collection of these ornaments. Our oldest daughter, McKinley, has taken her set with her as she embarks on her married life, but I still get to enjoy Mitchell and LaurenKate’s on our family tree! 🎄❤️
Traditions are powerful—they draw us closer together and keep our precious memories alive. What special traditions do you treasure with your favorite people? Please share them with me!
