A family tradition is a practice, custom or story passed down from generation to generation. Traditions, whether holiday-related or the day-to-day variety, provide a comforting familiarity and often act as the glue that binds one generation to another.  Passing on or creating family memories through tradition is a warm and fuzzy endeavor, especially when families live far apart.

The United States of Salami

With our grandchildren in distant states, we find it heartening to create our own personal “remember when…” traditions during our visits together. Last spring we took Macie, Lea and Collin on a picnic in the woods. After we ate, we thought it would be fun to create our own country, complete with flag and a pledge of allegiance. The kids found a heavy branch, propped our “flag pole” against the picnic table and decorated it with leaves, toys, and ribbons. Hats were removed and placed over hearts and the pledge was recited: “We pledge allegiance, to the flag, of the United States of Salami. And to the Republic, for which it stands, one nation, under mustard, indivisible, with cookies and pickles for all.” We still dissolve into giggles on the phone when we talk about the secret country we established with our grandkids.

– Sloane Family

Halfy Birthday

Our family decided not to wait an entire year to celebrate a birthday, so we began to include half birthdays as part of our family tradition. No gift giving necessary, just a half cake to commemorate the special occasion, and instead of singing “Happy Birthday,” we use the words “HALFY Birthday.” The girls just love the fact that we honor this date and make it special just for them. Something so simple, yet they get excited and look forward to their “Half- Birthday” each year.

– Kelso Family