During this time of year, my mind goes to traditions that our family has had over the years. This year I thought about foregoing a few of those traditions and see if I could let them slide under the radar since I entered the season a bit tired. I told myself that now that my kids were getting older, (23, 21, 15 and 10) and they are boys, surely they wouldn't notice if I didn't bring out ALL the traditional decorations or make all the traditional dishes or follow our traditional holiday schedule. Boy, was I wrong! I thought I was finished getting the Christmas decorations up and thought that the fact that I had NOT set out our Snow Village houses had gone unnoticed. . .but it wasn't two minutes after I announced that I was done that my boys both noticed that the village was missing. Can't put anything past them!
When my older boys have called home checking our holiday plans and sharing their excitement to head home for the holidays, they always seem to ask if I would be fixing a certain favorite dish while they are home, or if we would be going to the Christmas Eve service or if we are still going to watch the movie, "Wonderful Life" on Christmas Eve. You know. . .traditions bring with them a sense of security for us, no matter what age we are. As parents of teenagers, sometimes I find it easy to kind of step back from those traditions, thinking that the kids might not be interested, or might consider them lame. However, even if they do consider them lame a year or two while they are growing up, it is important for us to continue those routines and family traditions. They give us a sense of belonging, a sense of security, and a sense of family.
So, even if this is one of those years when you are tempted to try and fly "under the radar" with a few missing traditions because you think they don't mean anything to anyone other than you, let me encourage you that even your high schoolers AND your college age kids, need that sense of belonging. So, stick to your guns! Pull out those cookie sheets, pick out that tree together, be sure and have the family favorite movie ready to watch, and be sure to savor the moments, while cherishing the child.
Faith and Courage, Lori Lane
Lori is married to the love of her life John and together they have four sons ranging in age from 23 down to 10. She is the author of “Beginning With The End In Mind”, a frequent speaker on home education, famil,y and the arts, as well as serving as the Executive Director of The Artios Academies. (www.artiosacademies.com) You can see some of the pictures of their home in the central Colorado Rockies by visiting Lori’s website at www.theendinmind.net where you will receive encouragement for the journey.
