“So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.” (1 Thes 2:15)

During the holidays, many of us practice family traditions. Traditions don’t have to be grand gestures, but they can be, and we can practice them any time, not just at the holidays. A tradition is anything your family does on a regular basis. Some are passed down from generation to generation, and we form others unintentionally.

On Thanksgiving, my family watches the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, my mom makes her famous broccoli and rice casserole, my dad gets his own pecan pie, and we watch football and movies. Like I said, traditions don’t have to be big things, but these activities are signs of the holiday for my family.

Traditions are beneficial for many reasons.

1. They strengthen family ties. The bond between family members grows stronger as we spend time together doing the same things. We know what’s expected, and each of us fulfills our role. These rituals also give us a sense of identity and help us connect with our family’s cultural and religious heritage.
2. They provide comfort. Traditions bring rhythm and a sense of security to our lives, especially in our fast-paced world. They provide order and a safe place in the middle of the chaos around us.
3. They create happy memories. Every family has high and low points, but the memories that stand out the most to me were formed out of tradition: long car rides to see my dad’s family in Nevada each summer, Friday night sleepovers at Grandma’s house, and my dad and Uncle Tommy playing pool every holiday.

Shaking things up can be good, too. Changing a routine can bring excitement and stimulation. One year, my parents and I went to San Antonio for Thanksgiving. We ate Thanksgiving dinner in the hotel with other families who were traveling, and we visited Sea World and watched the Christmas light parade on the Riverwalk. I’d like to go again someday, but for now, that trip remains a special memory for me because it was different than any other holiday.

No matter what you do for Thanksgiving this year, whether traditional or unique, remember your blessings, remember God’s faithfulness, and give thanks.

Dear Jesus, thank you for the blessings you’ve given me, from my family and friends to Lilly to my job. Thank you for the traditions we’ve established that bring us closer as a family. Amen.