THE PENNY PUB
Traditions That Bind Me
Celebrating family and friendship through meaningful traditions
Tradition is the stuff that our lives are made of. It provides continuity, a sense of being part of something, and cherishes memories. These rituals, which are either inherited or invented for today’s society, remain an essential component to those who cherish their relations with relatives and buddies. I’d like to review some of my own traditions, which have lasted long while others have been flexible, but they all carry a special meaning to me and my loved ones.
Among our families’ most timeless customs is Sunday family dinner. Every single Sunday we sit down at the table to eat regardless of what has happened throughout that week. This started with my grandparents, who believed in family connections through Sunday feasts. It has, however, become something we can’t debate about; we look forward to it every time it happens.
The dishes that make the menu alter are a mixture of family favorites. Knowing that each week will end with all of us being together, sharing food and our lives, has been comforting. This is a special tradition because it gives us an opportunity to reconnect every week, get informed about one another’s lives, and provide support. It reinforces the value of family and reminds us that irrespective of how full our schedules are, we still have one another.
Another beloved occurrence is my yearly beach visit with some friends who I hold very close at heart. During my high school years, we took a break from exam stress and went for a weekend on the beach. This was the origin of this tradition. What was once an unprepared escape has now become an annual routine that none of us would miss for anything in this world
Every other year, we choose a different seaside destination, pack our suitcases, and for a few days, lie in the sun, play beach volleyball, and share old memories. Why it is unique is that despite our lives changing; we still get together to pursue this tradition. Through this vacation, I built ongoing friendships.
Birthdays in my family are marked with breakfast in bed. This may be simple, but it brings great happiness. On someone’s birthday morning, the other members of the family wake up early to prepare their best kind of breakfast which includes pancakes with fruits as well as a candlestick for celebrating birthdays. The birthday person receives this special meal inside their beds surrounded by dear ones who sing “Happy Birthday” to them.
What makes this tradition special is that it sets off each birthday on a note of positivity and love. It is a small act of appreciation and affection towards whoever’s birthday it is. As we’ve grown older, this tradition continues making everyone smile and creating everlasting memories.
One of our favorite traditions during the holiday season is watching a whole day of classic Christmas movies. Starting with the first weekend in December, every Saturday night, we sit down to watch an old holiday movie. We have hot chocolate and popcorn and snuggle up under cozy blankets to enjoy these films.
This tradition is important because it fosters excitement for the holidays and creates a warm, festive atmosphere in my house. Moreover, it serves as a good way to relax after a long week and unwind the rush of activities that characterize this period. Year after year, we find comfort in the familiar stories and take pleasure in sharing our cherished parts and quotes.
As someone who is neurodiverse, traditions can be soothing or overwhelming. On one hand, routine helps create predictability and feelings of safety, consistency, and security, which are necessary components of a happy life. Therefore, such things as Sunday family dinners or holiday film marathons give me predictability, enabling me to psyche myself before the actual activity begins.
However, this can create an overwhelming feeling of pressure towards specific customs, particularly those related to social gatherings. This can be so pressurizing at times that the expectation to participate in every family or social event leads to anxiety. Nevertheless, I have managed to go through this by setting boundaries and talking with my loved ones about my needs. The result has been their increased willingness to understand more and work with me on terms that consider both sides, hence making traditions less stressful for me.
Whatever their scale or formality, traditions, whether grand or small, play very important roles in our lives. They link us with past life, help us remain rooted in the present, and give some kind of continuity for future survival.
Sunday night suppers together, yearly trips to the beach, birthday breakfasts in bed, and watching holiday movies nonstop with popcorn and snacks mean more than mere activities that are just for bonding with the people I love. They also build memories.
Traditions can be meaningful for everyone, including those who are neurodiverse. What is important is the happiness and connection they provide.
Embrace your traditions while relishing loving moments brought forth by these practices because it is actually love and being together that makes them special.
