The Importance of Family Traditions

December is here and the signs of Christmas fast approaching are everywhere. Hope you've got things under way!  Christmas time, for many is a coming together of families and friends and sharing in the fun of traditions that for many have been passed down through the years.

Traditions are important because they often tell stories and can give insights into cultures and backgrounds of a family. It is said that family traditions help build stronger bonds and connections with one another. I'm sure you can think of some of your family Christmas get together's and have fond memories of some of the interesting or funny things that each gathering brought.

Thinking back to my childhood I have many fabulous memories of Christmas dinners with my grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, my mom and dad and my siblings. One would be the shared excitement of waiting to open the gifts that were piled around the Christmas tree. I'm reminded of the unique ornaments that my Grandma had on the tree, ( I know, right... they were those red plastic Santa's) and of course standing beside Grandpa as he skillfully worked the electric carving knife and cut the turkey. I can almost smell it! He would always give me a little sliver to eat! I remember my Grandma always put out these plastic banana boat shaped dishes filled with different Christmas candies that I loved to indulge in, probably too much! lol! We would have a sing song of Christmas songs around the piano and everyone would join in, mmmm, what good memories. Anyways enough tripping down memory lane for me!

 Over the years my husband and I have developed our own family traditions that we enjoy sharing with our family. Taking in the Christmas Eve service is very important to us as we are reminded of the reason we celebrate Christmas. The gift of the Savior and the blessings we have because of him fill up our hearts as we share this time with our family. Our tradition of the Christmas breakfast quiche couldn't be left out and opening gifts and sharing laughs with our kids is a special part of our traditions too! Of course, the delicious turkey dinner is always a welcome time to share together as well! Whatever you're traditions are continue them knowing you are creating special memories for each one you share them with. To my readers I want to say a big thank you for following and reading my blog this past year! I wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year!