Anytime Traditions

A fun family tradition to consider (or reflect upon, as the case may be) is the Summer Camping Trip. Growing up, camping was a frequent family activity, and we explored many a remote location stuffed helter-skelter inside a sweltering camper. While it was only after I moved up and out that my family settled on a location to frequent each year (a friend's cabin in the mountains southeast of home), camping was a big part of our family identity all through my childhood.

That being said, it may be a surprise to you that I do not particularly enjoy camping. I like hiking, and being outdoors, but the whole sleeping-on-the-ground and dirt-and-bugs thing (not to mention the whole peeing-in-the-bushes thing, a rare but unfortunate necessity at times) are definitely not at the top of my list of favorite things. For this reason, we don't go camping often, but we do go camping, and here's why:

Camping is a great way to encourage the members of a family to work together toward a common goal - your mutual comfort and survival. During the regular course of our busy lives, we rely heavily on modern conveniences to allow us to accomplish our many tasks, rushing through them to accomplish yet more tasks. Camping allows us time to slow down and reconnect in ways that are often not possible at home. We can learn a great deal about ourselves and our family members as we struggle and work together. We are forced to deal with discomfort, boredom, and inconvenience, annoyances that are often all too easy to avoid. We can learn cooperation, self-reliance, and tolerance. And, we can take the time to stop and look around us at this world that supports us, and cultivate within ourselves a gratitude for the infinite and universal wisdom of a plan that provides so much for us. For me, if I can spark a small sense of appreciation for the natural beauty and wonders of the world in the hearts and minds of my children, it is all worth it.

And, if nothing else, it's a great excuse to get really, really dirty once in a while! I am convinced that I never appreciate a long shower more than after I've gone without for a few days - heavenly!

As a new school year fast approaches, I find the memories of dozens of "first days" glinting behind the hustle and bustle of shopping, open houses, and paperwork that precede that opening bell. I recently saw a television spot where the kids are gathered around the schoolhouse doors, counting down to the morning bell like revelers in Times Square on New Year's Eve. "Three...two...one...Happy School Year!" they cry, and rush into the building amidst cheering and excited laughter. What a happy little fiction they have shown to us!

In reality, your First Day of School may bear absolutely no resemblance whatsoever to the vignette I've described. In fact, many times anxiety, fear, and even tears show up during the course of this often stress-filled and highly emotional day. And I'm not just talking about the kids! I'll admit it, I cried the first time my baby climbed those school bus steps by herself. And the second. But soon, we developed a routine, complete with our own little tender rituals of hugs and kisses that helped ease the anxiety of separation.

Out of such small moments are strong family traditions created. Traditions can help us through some of the most intense emotional experiences of our lives. They help us come together, strengthening the bonds between family members while creating poignant memories that become the rich texture of the fabric of our lives.

One tradition that I have cultivated over the years is the First Day of School photo. I have made an effort to take a picture of each child, dressed to impress, backpack on, just before they head out the door on that very first morning. They like to set these photos side by side and watch themselves as they've grown from timid preschooler to confident middle graders. I think they find a certain reassurance in this simple custom, a continuity that helps them face the relative unknown with the quiet confidence that they've done this before, and therefore they can absolutely do it again.

If you'd like to share your family traditions for the First Day of School (or other school-related traditions) please do so! We'd love to hear from you!