Has Tradition Gone by The Wayside?
by A monologue about memories, traditions, and how our lifestyles have affected what is passed down to our children.
Now, every kid over the age of eight has a cell phone, an iPod, a laptop computer, and a TV in their room! Our kids have it made. Of course, when we tell them how lucky they are to have all of this cool stuff, they look at us like we’re crazy and try to tell us how hard their lives are. Memories kick in at this point and we begin sounding like our grandparents telling the tale of when they had to walk 4 miles to school one way, uphill, in a snowstorm, without shoes – have you heard this one already? I bet you have!
Memories and traditions serve their purpose in life – they help to keep us grounded and more in a state of reality. They also help us to escape our reality at times. Every day we create new memories and add to the ones we already have. Memories and traditions are who and what we are.
What has happened to our traditions? We often tell our loved ones about the great times we had back in the day, but do we actually share the experience anymore? Everyone is so hooked into their electronics and living life in the fast lane that no one slows down long enough to truly experience life at its best. Yes, we’ve come a long way technologically, but we are far behind on giving a piece of ourselves and our past to our families!
People are on the go so much these days, it’s a wonder they can even find the time to stop at the grocery store to pick up the pre-made holiday meal! What have we become that we no longer embrace the family adventure of cooking the entire feast ourselves? What will our children remember when they are older? I can see it now… “My family didn’t cook holiday dinners, we ordered out for pizza!” or “We always went out to eat at a restaurant.”
It’s time to bring back tradition and cherish the memories we’ve collected over the years. My family appreciates the home cooked turkey with all the trimmings. My kids enjoy our annual assembly line of cutting, decorating, and baking cookies. They love being able to lick the spoons and pans used to make fudge from scratch. Holidays used to bring out the best in us. Thanksgiving is always a big affair beginning with the smell of pumpkin pie fresh from the oven, the aroma of the turkey roasting most of the day, and just enjoying each other’s company. What will your family think of years from now when they reflect back on their lives?
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