This past Saturday, I visited my mother. While there, my brother, sister, and brother-in-law raked my mothers yard, which is always densely covered with leaves this time of year. We worked together, laughed together, and made the work fun.

We discussed the fact that when my children were smaller, we had a tradition of coming to Grandma's and raking her leaves. The kids enjoyed it for two reasons. One they got to rake leaves into piles and then jump or hide in them. Second, my mother always provided donuts, cider and/or hot chocolate. She would bring it out on a tray to us after we'd been working for awhile.

We have pictures we were reviewing recently which reflected these joyful times. In one, Beej is standing in front of a pile of leaves, with his legs spread wide, and the rake held like a rifle across his body. Behind him, in the pile, you can just barely make out two faces peaking from under the leaves (Lauren and Whitney). Even then, he was acting as a protector, and he was only 5 or 6.

They worked hard on those days, but have fond memories of the times we had. As they grew this tradition faded, as schedules no longer allowed for it.

I often wonder what family traditions Joseph and Mary celebrated with Jesus. Were they similar to the ones we enjoy? I'm sure they involved family. Perhaps then, it was an even bigger deal when family got together, as they had to travel by foot. I suppose they could have had donkey races, or camel carriage rides around the town square.

Whatever they were, they were important. The family unit struggles to stay together in our day. It isn't often that children report having sit down meals with their parents. Schedules get so busy, and we often fail to make time to celebrate the fact that we are families, for no particular reason. If we don't take time to eat together, it isn't likely we take time to pray together. If we don't pray together, seldom will our children have the positive influence they really need.

We told our girls this past weekend that we intend to begin a new tradition this Holiday Season. Haven't decided what it is yet, but it is important to do something together that we can look back on fondly. We will miss celebrating this with Beej, but it will happen in his honor.

Celebrate with your families! Let them know how important they are to you. Establish new traditions, or continue with old ones. It is something they won't soon forget... even if it is a small thing. Take pictures. Make copies and send them to your loved ones. Celebrate the fact that we have one another to enjoy...even if it is for a short time!

Be Blessed!

dad

will try to write while in La., but am unsure of internet accessibility.