As I have grown older (and wiser), I have become more fond of traditions. Traditions can be rooted in our own cultural heritage or they can be ordinary daily rituals. Insisting on celebrating every Western holiday (anything from Easter to Christmas) with my own children, I also include most Chinese holidays in our family celebrations. I think it is important to teach my children where we came from and give them a sense of belonging and identity. However, traditions are not limited just to holidays. Ordinary daily rituals like showering, brushing your teeth and eating together as a family are also important traditions. They provide family a sense of stability.
The two biggest daily traditions in my family are 1) family dinner and 2) making your bed. My personal motto is, “a family who eats together sticks together.” Family meals are a perfect time to share good food and thoughts with each other! I am also big on insisting my children to make their own bed every morning. I tell them that making their bed is like welcoming a new beginning! Even if you have a terrible day your bed is in perfect order when you come back to welcome your weary body and bruised heart. I truly believe in maintaining traditions during the holidays and during all of the other ordinary days of the year. Traditions are important for building a strong family from generation to generation. What are your family traditions?
Happy Chinese New Year!
