Traditions

I have always known I liked traditions, and having something that I know we will do every year. Lately I have been pondering on the unique and great traditions of my family, traditions I am missing being so far from them.
One of those is birthdays, it has always been so much fun to know that when it's my birthday my family will all try to get up early and sneak around to wake each other up, get out the cake, light the candles and come and sing to wake me up. I remember times when I was merely pretending to sleep, having already woken up, and just waiting for them to come. The joy of trying to get up early to surprise the birthday boy or girl, is also always fun, as the excitement of surprise can't let one sleep for long.

My family loves chess, I recently was playing a guy in chess, because no one was as good as he, and others said I am very good too. He ended up winning, but said I am a great player. that comes from the traditional chess competitions of growing up in my family. I know that everyone of us plays chess, and probably plays it well, that is what happens when the best chess player in the family is your dad, and to beat him, or even challenge him means you HAVE to be good. Sometime we have gone through whole tournaments of chess, which get rather heated at times. I am PROUD to have a family that knows how to play and play well this strategic, thought provoking game.

I love the traditions of my family, family vacations in Montana. Fishing, as a family, all six of us. Daddy reading to us before going bed. Christmas Eve gifts, and activities. The blessings Dad gave us before going to bed. Watching movies together with popcorn. . .

As I am so far away and married, I long for traditions. I see myself wanting to form the same kinds as I have known and grown up with. There is such a coziness in tradition, and in remembering what has come before.