Being part of a large family (6 kids) life was never dull. Pretty much all of us were very opinionated and it made for colorful dinner conversations and family debates. There are lots of funny stories from growing up and I could probably go on for days.

My parents were always big about rituals and traditions. For instance, for every birthday, we would have a big family dinner (this was mom’s part…we got to choose our favorite dish). While we were eating, daddy would say that we were going to go around the table and say something nice about the birthday boy or girl. The first couple of ones were heart-felt and sweet. The novelty quickly wore off, but the tradition had been started and couldn’t be thrown by the way-side.

So, the tradition continued. For the most part, me, mom and dad would try to think of something original and sweet to say. When it came to the younger kids, they quickly came up with their pat answers like “I like your shirt” or “You are nice” or “Your hair is pretty”. One year all of the kids (led by Nate) revolted and decided that we had said all there was to say about each other (of course that wasn’t true, but we were certain it was). Dad was crushed, but knew that if he tried to keep doing it, it would only go down hill from there. By the next birthday we were all laughing about how it ended and how quickly it went downhill. It was fun to remember the memories that were created during that time. Even now when we all get together, we talk about those birthdays and our “revolt” and we enjoy a great laugh.

For Christmas, we tried lots of different things. The one I remember the most was when mom and dad decided that we needed to share our talents with the family. Their goal was always to remind us that Christmas was about what Jesus did and what we should do with our gifts for the Lord. That it was not about what gifts we received or the food we ate. So, one year we had to think of something that we had to give with our talents and prepare something for the whole family. I went about playing my flute, Nate played a song on his snare drum, Emily read a poem she had written, Amber drew a picture. I think maybe Ben and Dan drew something. I don’t really remember about them. I think they were too young to really participate. Anyway, it was all very awkward and funny. We were all embarrassed, but we did it. I don’t think that we did that again, but still we talk about it quite regularly.

We have other traditions that we have maintained over the years. It is funny though that the things that mortified us as kids and teenagers, are the things that we now speak of with the greatest fondness. We laugh and remember and it has almost become a tradition itself to talk about these times and the things that we said and did. As I have become a mother, it is already important to me that our kids have traditions to grow up with . I know that we will have things that we will do with our children that they will look back on and laugh about, but they will appreciate the thought and care that goes into creating a family. I know I love and appreciate the memories that my parents given me. What are some funny traditions that you grew up with or started yourself? I’m sure we all have them…at least I hope we do.

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