Menu Close

Importance of Tradition

Apartments Sioux Falls, SD

Tradition – A continuing pattern of culture, beliefs or practices.

The older you get, the more important tradition becomes. It’s something that builds meaning upon itself each year. There is something special about looking forward to that annual turkey trot, or baking holiday candy with the fam and taking gift wrapped boxes to friends and neighbors. It’s in those moments that holiday magic and memories are created.

Traditions are typically an activity that friends or family do together each year and plan to continue with each passing year. They may begin by accident or they may be intentional, but there is so much value to be found in them.

Up until recently, it hasn’t been something that I’ve put much thought into. But the feeling I got when I cooked my mom’s (DELICIOUS) Halloween crockpot chili for my friends on my Halloween away from home, gave me all of the cozy feels and a sense of pride. And even though I was hundreds of miles away from my family, it made me feel close to them. That’s the beauty in tradition.

Traditions come in all shapes and sizes too – food traditions, community traditions, around the home traditions, giving back – the options are endless. Maybe you’ve been practicing tradition since the day you were born, or maybe it’s something you’re just now beginning to think about… Whatever the case, maybe take some time this year to pick one that means a little extra to you and make it stick. Below are a few ideas to get you started.

  1. Cook the same meal for each specific holiday, each year. Ask for recipes from family members to keep older food traditions alive.
  2. Have a cookie, or pie, or candy baking party each year. Invite friends or invite family (or both!) and then gift wrap boxes filled with the baked goods to give out to friends, co-workers and neighbors!
  3. See a local production of ‘The Nutcracker’, or “A Christmas Carol’ or any other holiday themed show.
  4. Go find the best neighborhood to drive or walk through to look at Christmas lights. Bundle up and stop for hot cocoa before you get there!
  5. As a family, camp out in front of your Christmas Tree one night. Everyone can read, snack on holiday treats and sip on cocoa (or wine).
  6. Volunteer each holiday season for a charity that means something to you. ‘Tis the season for giving back, and doing so with loved ones reminds you how lucky you are.
  7. Find a giving tree and choose a family to sponsor. Then go shopping with your family for toys, clothes and whatever else this family may need and donate the items together.
  8. Throw an annual Ugly Christmas Sweater party for friends and family. And make your famous spiked Egg Nog.

This list could seriously go on and on, but I think you get it. Pick an activity that brings you joy during the holidays, invite those you love the most, and then continue to do that activity with each passing year. We would love to hear what traditions you love the most during the holiday season! Let us know what they are in the comments section!