Welcome to Bloganuary. It’s this thing that WordPress is doing to encourage bloggers to post something every day by providing a regular prompt. I think that “Bloguary” would not only sound better but makes more sense. Maybe they’re saving that for next month. But if they go with Blogebruary I’m dropping out. Anyway, today’s prompt asks the question: Write about a few of your favorite family traditions.

Well hi there, folks! Peckapalooza here once again, musing about those little traditions that bind families together over the years. As I sift through memories of holidays past, I realize I may not have as many lasting family traditions now that I’m a single guy living the bachelor life. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few classics that still bring a nostalgic tear to my eye.

Take our annual Memorial Day reunion down in Nashville with Dad’s side of the family, for example. A few dozen of Dad’s kin folk, all crammed into the FOP lodge for a weekend, eating our weight in hamburgers and potato chips and attempting awkward small talk with relatives we haven’t seen since the previous year’s reunion. Always a memorable time. Then there’s Christmas with Mom’s side of the family, full of more food than any human needs, the same stories told and retold, and all of us kids running wild as we attempt to exchange gifts without anyone getting concussed by the latest inventive produce from Nerf. Really warms the heart.

As I’ve gotten older, the truth is I appreciate those chaotic, loud family gatherings more than I did as a kid. Sometimes, I even miss those old reunions. Even if I can only handle a few hours before needing my quiet, solitary life back. They remind me where I come from, connect me back to family who knew me when I was only yea high. And even if my only lasting family tradition now is watching other relatives carry on traditions I don’t always understand anymore… well, that’s ok. I’ve got the memories.

So what about you folks? Any family traditions you want to share memories of, or commiserate about? Let’s reminisce a little in the comments!

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