Family Traditions

I was taught growing up that family traditions were important. These rituals were part of the family dynamic and sacred glue that bounded us all together at certain times of the year. We did particular things, ate select foods and spent quality time as a collective. Everyone in the family knew these traditions and followed them accordingly. The only time a change in plan took place was at the discretion of the family matriarch, my grandmother.

Everyone knew where holidays were held. Grandma was not only the home base, but the director and the cook as well. Her kitchen schedule would dictate when people ate, carved the pumpkin, passed out the presents, searched for the eggs, twirled the sparklers, etc.... And happily, we all followed her lead.

It was never the same when she passed. The family traditions started to fade. The gatherings became infrequent. Her fabulous meals ceased to be. Those of us left behind were struggling to fill the void left by such a strong woman.

As a mother, I knew it was important to have traditions. It provides routine and scared glue for a family, especially with everyone scattered around the country. So, I held fast to the things Grandma taught me. I cooked the food, hid the eggs, bought the sparklers and pumpkins and made sure that every tradition was celebrated to the best of my ability. I am sure Grandma would be proud.

Also, I took it one step farther. I created new traditions within my own family. They include some of these.....

• Friday is pizza night.
• Playing games as a family is good.
• We watch the Super Bowl and eat pizza & wings while critiquing the commercials.
• We try to camp every summer.
• Everyone gets a new ornament every Christmas.
• The Macy's parade is a must on Thanksgiving morning and so is heading out into the cold on Black Friday.
• We each have a creation story and our own theme song.
• We take care of Santa and the reindeer every Christmas Eve with snacks.
• We root for the Cleveland Browns.
• We sing Michael Jackson songs.

And now a new one has been added....

• We love roller coasters!

I grew up going to a local amusement park named Geauga Lake. I had great times there and anticipated returning year after year. Every chance to ride the Big Dipper made me happier and happier. I loved the roller coasters there, but my world was forever changed when I went to Cedar Point for the first time. It was there that I thought I had died and awoken in roller coaster heaven. And, as every year passed and Cedar Point kept building bigger and better, my loyalty grew. Many people tested me taking me to other parks and claiming their park was better, but they were wrong. No matter where I went and what I rode, I still preferred the park on the pennisula in Ohio.

This weekend, I passed down that love to my kids. I had been waiting for all the stars to align and the opportunity to appear. I knew in my heart that this would be the year. The Rugratz were big enough and brave enough finally. The free time was on the calendar and the funds were in the bank. It was definitely a go.

My son was hooked off the first ride, but my daughter had to warm up a little. After a day at Cedar Point, I knew they shared my love. It was evident halfway through the day when the talk turned to next year. It was decided. Next year, we are coming for a whole weekend.

I think it is wonderful that now as part of our family dynamic and sacred glue is the riding of roller coasters at Cedar Point every year. What a fabulous and fun tradition!

Stay sweet 'n smile............................Mz.