Jeff’s Journal
By Jeff Whitaker
As 2021 winds down, it seems the unpredictable aspect of life has only increased. Knowing what will change from one week to the next is anyone’s guess. So, it seems to me that we should concentrate even more so on the things that we can control. Last week, in my column, I talked about the importance of how we spend our time this holiday season. I want to expand on that thought this week.
One of the songs in the Broadway musical Fiddler On The Roof is the song, “Tradition.” It talks about all of the practices passed down from generation to generation that define who the characters in the musical are and what roles they are expected to play in life. In the storyline, the idea of tradition is revered by the older generation and questioned by the young. Too often, today the idea of tradition is dismissed as old-fashioned and of little value. But when it comes to celebrating this special time of year, I want to encourage you to consider the upside and lasting significance of traditions.
Stop almost anyone and ask them about Christmas or Hanukkah traditions and I can bet it will bring a smile to their face. Try it. The reason, I believe, is that unlike the negativity associated with tradition in Fiddler, the remembrance of holiday traditions for many of us recall happy, comfortable, and familiar times of growing up with family and friends.
What are some of the traditions you remember as a child and which ones have you carried on into adulthood? For our family, we have several traditions that my wife and I have incorporated into our family. We’ve always had a live Christmas tree and we always travel to an area farm to choose the perfect tree. We try our best to make sure every family member sets aside the time for this annual trip. In the last couple of years, we haven’t cut the tree down but picked a pre-cut one. So, in reality, the traditional part isn’t cutting down the tree, but the family time spent together; the experience. Another tradition we always follow each Christmas morning is gathering together as a family and reading the Christmas story from the book of Luke in the Bible before we head to the tree to see the gifts and open packages. For us, it’s about reminding us of what the day is all about. There are so many other traditions we have. But my point in all of this is to cause you to think about the traditions you have and celebrate them. And if you’ve never had traditions to follow or think it’s too late to start, think again. It’s never too late and trust me, it’s the traditions you make that your family will remember years down the road and then pass on to their families as well. In this time with so much instability, it’s comforting to have known that some things can remain the same.
