Question of the Day

What is a favorite family tradition? Have a great day! Amy -122lbs.

That is a very interesting question. Made me stop and think. What is traditional and what do we just "do". We get together and eat. We pull together as a family when we need to when there is a "family" need. We are part of each others lives but also have our own lives. We are now 4 generations living in a small community but stick together when the need is there. We have the closeness of family. Most of us got together this year for Thanksgiviing.

Sadly, my family is not that close. So the one thing that I do cherish is that I go to my mom's house for christmas, then pop into my dad's. (my father and i are very estranged--but i still have to see him on christmas, it's "tradition" and means a lot) Unfortunately, my mom is moving to NC with her hubby for 6 mos. out of the year and the other 6 will be in Europe...so the Christmas tradition will be divided...blah. Even though there is all of this, I still want to stress that family is the most important thing and I take everything I can get! -Phoenix

It's weird b/c somehow every Christmas seems to be a little different, especially this year since my son now has a complete and total concept of Christmas In fact we just had to have a "Santa Claus Committee" Meeting to discuss which of the two family traditions to use now that my son is getting old enough to understand what's up. The only consistancies that I could find was our VERY determined ventures to look for a LIVE TREE and the pinning of white doves on the tree. We each have our own white dove that we put on our tree...the white dove is the symbol of my uncle who was murdered when I was 9 years old. It's very emotional but a wonderful way to honor him. Danielle

This might not be a tradition, but my mom baked a pineapple up-side-down cake to take to the family of a person who died. She also made it often for her friends b-day, whenever we came home and smelled it we'd ask who died, because we would know if it was someone's b-day. I eventually helped with this, I remember baking and taking several cakes. My friends even knew about it, when my friend's mother passed away, she joked that she hoped we were still making the cakes. Then when my father passed away, this friend made one and brought it to us, that really meant a lot.

In my family we get together every Thursday at moms she takes the day off and cooks and we all eat and laugh and talk. for Christmas we do secret Santa amongst ourselves and on Christmas eve we have a big party. we put the kids to be at 10:30ish so that Santa can come. Then we exchange our presents we don't just hand them out we imitate the person we have the present for. It's really funny to see how other perceive you. I can't wait.

On a day to day tradition, my hubby, my two daughters and I spend Monday nights together. We rent a couple movies and order out. We discuss the weeks events and then snuggle down and watch the movies. It is a nice way to stay in touch when life is so hectic. As far as holiday traditions, our family has grown up and live in many states. The four of us,here, still decorate the house and tree. The girls and I bake lots of candy, cookies, etc and make up baskets to give out around the neighborhood. We have moved around a lot since the girls have been born but we always find people that need cheering up during the holidays. My mom started a tradition as a Christmas gift that I am doing also. Each year she buys us a calendar and puts all the birthdays of the family on it. It keeps us informed all the year long who is having a birthday. Now I make them for my daughters and they look forward to see what kind of calendar I will send. Carol -35#

Every New Year's Eve, I do calzones. I have all of the fixings ready so all they have to do is roll out their dough and fix it. We invite family and friends over for a quiet evening. Betty

We used to have traditions when I was growing up, but now that I'm 47, single and live alone, it's just not the same when it's just me and the cats!! Belle, Buster and Barney are great, but just don't get into Christmas traditions, unless you want to count the "rearrangement" they do of some of my decorations. Somehow I don't think that's what you meant though. What are some of your traditions, Amy? Jan

Jan, We have several traditions... - We have honey baked ham on Xmas eve, my mom bakes a cake and the kids sing Happy Birthday to Baby Jesus. - My mom bakes a special holiday bread that makes the whole house smell yummy - We open all our presents on Xmas Eve (started when we were kids and had to drive to the grandparents 100 miles away for Xmas day) - My mother, sister, neice and I all go holiday shopping and out to lunch together. This year we went to Mt Dora, but we've gone to Ybor City, Hyde Park in Tampa, Christmas House in Brooksville, Deland/Sanford, The Barn in Lake Alfred, Park Avenue in Winter Park, St. Armand's Circle, Jax, etc. We've eaten in so many tea rooms and bistros over the years, but the best part is being out with the girls. - Playing crochet in the front yard on Easter - Beer and Brats for Memorial Day BBQ I'm sure there are more, but those come to mind first.