For many years my family and I spend the week after Christmas at the beach. I look forward to this trip all year long. I love the beach during the winter months and I enjoy the traditions we've established over the years -- walks on the beach, steamer pots for dinner, visits to bookstores and aquariums. It's also a week to relax, eat, sleep, and plan the new year.
I'm not a person who allows traditions to dictate holidays and birthdays. In fact I've chucked a number of them aside over the years because my children outgrew them, we could no longer fit them into our schedules, or we lost interest in them.
But I haven't let go of all of them.
One of my favorite traditions while we're at the beach is to bring back a box of warm freshly made donuts for our crowd. It's the only time of the year I allow myself to eat cake and icing for breakfast and it wouldn't be a beach trip without them.
Wolfgang Puck said that "Most seasonings are based on family tradition." I'm guessing he was thinking of culinary traditions but the thought applies to all. I agree, but I also don't. Flexibility is key here. Families change and so should their customs. I want to allow myself and my children the opportunity to recreate holidays, birthdays, and other milestones. I don't want any of us to feel caged by what we've always done.
As our family unit changes and our kids grow up I know our traditions will continue to evolve. My children will eventually move away and may no longer join us on our holiday beach trips. My husband and I may continue to feast on warm and delicious donuts without them. Or, maybe we'll move on and find another tradition just for us. I know that time is coming but for now I will continue to enjoy the few traditions we decide to keep for as long as we can. Icing and all.
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