Traditions

    Tradition carries a different weight depending on who is thinking about it.  For some, tradition is the lifeblood of family unity. It defines who the family is.  For others, not so much.

    My family has a few traditions. Thanksgiving Dinner is at my sister's house. WE watch the parade and the dog show if we are near the TV.  If Dad doesn't feel like traveling, my sister and her family bring the dinner to him.

    Christmas is at my Dad's house on Christmas Eve. It's a toss up whether we do presents before or after the meal. 

    The dinners are served around noon. I can't imagine waiting all day for dinner and I wouldn't want to spoil my appetite by snacking or, <gasp> eating lunch!  What gets served? The essentials:  turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, rolls, and home made noodles.  The noodles are the only dish to have some meaning behind them.  My grandmother on my Dad's side used to make them. It's nice to remember her on these special days. 

    All these things we do may be considered traditions but we are not defined by them. Maybe if we were we'd be a tighter knit family. Or just really high-strung and demanding.