My dad's dad, affectionately called Pop Pop, hated eating turkey. He felt that every single holiday consisted of a turkey dinner in his home. When he raised his own family, they celebrated Christmas with an array of seafood...because turkey was overrated. My dad and my mom continued that tradition early after their marriage, but transitioned into a prime rib dinner instead.
Traditions are funny, because they can make or break relationships. Why are people so attached to set ways? Especially Christians, who believe in changing for the better! Traditions have been studied, and the findings conclude that traditions strengthen relationships. There's a sense of security in knowing that the same people enjoy the same things in the same way with you each year.
Because traditions are so closely tied to relationships, it's no wonder newly married couples have a hard time agreeing on them. Each spouse may be so closely tied to their family's original traditions that they find it hard to budge. When faced with the dilemma of choosing traditions or creating new, what's a family to do?
Traditions are patterns of behavior that are derived from values. Think of common traditions, and analyze them to what their true purpose is. You'll find that it boils down to a core value that the family is trying to instill. So in an effort to select or create traditions for a new family, first establish what values you want. Then build from there!
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