Last year during the pandemic, we had to reset lots of family traditions. In many ways, our efforts in this regard were awkward, but also, in many ways, our efforts resulted in good times and camaraderie. Events that were particularly memorable included great outdoor hikes, outdoor dinners, ZOOM "parties" and the introduction to new outdoor spaces including incredible adventures in Newbury, MA, North Haven, Maine, Newfound Lake, NH, MA South Shore, and Hamilton/Ipswich, MA. Spending time in beautiful places with people we love was the highlight of the pandemic year, a highlight I want to continue as I think about resetting family traditions.
How will I reset family traditions in the post pandemic days ahead in ways that retain the good traditions of the past and create new traditions for the future.
Cards and letters
I've never been that good about sending cards and letters. It was a habit I never fully embraced and then with the super-busy life as a teacher and parent, I didn't have much time to make that a pattern. But now, post-teaching and post-parenting young children, I have more time for this endeavor. Also, I have noticed how much my 90+ parents appreciate the cards and letters they receive. My mom looked at a card she received recently over and over again with a smile on her face--that meant a lot to her. At my stage of life, this is a way that I can reach out and support people so I'll make this a bigger part of my life. I also hope to make one of those calendars that includes all of the family's most important dates--this will help me to send those cards and letters.
Morning reflections
Making time to read, write, and think every morning is a routine that helps me to live a good life. I'll continue to embrace this pattern.
Walk and Talks
With more time, I am reconnecting with many friends via walks and talks. To be able to get together in beautiful places to walk and talk is affordable, inspiring, and fun. This will definitely be a tradition that continues.
The Family Letter
As families age, distance can happen, and this distance can challenge the ties we have. To work against that distance, I've started writing my sons and their loved ones a weekly letter. In the letter, I talk about family highlights, events, and focus. It's a take-or-leave way to keep people on the same page.
Family Meals and Celebrations
Continuing family traditions of getting together for holidays and to celebrate is something I want to do. I love when family members of all ages gather to share in an event, meal or celebration, and I want to support that in the days ahead.
Helping out
Finding ways to help family members out to make their lives happier and better is a tradition I want to embrace with greater commitment. When family is there for one another in positive ways, we truly help each other out and make life better.