We’re an untraditional family who loves our tradition. Over the years we’ve developed many traditions surrounding holidays and birthdays. We throw a little family party for well known days like Halloween, Valentines’ Day, Easter. But we’ll also celebrate our own creations like, “Everything Goes Right Day,” “Get Out of Canadian Jail-Greencard Party,” or “I passed the PERT or PINIE as Cali renamed it (Proof that I’m Not an Idiot Exam).” We will use just about any excuse to have a party.
Those are special events that focus on. But perhaps equally enjoyable are the smaller traditions we have in our family that happen throughout all the busy schedules. If you don’t make it a priority to connect as a family, it simply won’t happen. We’ve been having campfires every weekend since Paul built the pit. Usually Friday night, but sometimes Saturday, we will roast sausages and veggie dogs (for the Cali) and hotdogs (for Madi) on the fire and have marshmallows. The kids love it, and we love it. You’re never too old for a campfire. They always remind us to get campfire stuff when we’re at the grocery store. Some nights the older girls will have something at the college and they will race home to join the fire. It’s a priority event in everyone’s life. No one wants to miss the fire.
A campfire is a way of getting away, but staying in your own backyard. Psychologically I think it reminds us all of camping, being in nature. The flames, the smell, the crackle, everything about a fire makes you unwind, take a breath, relax. We may all have things to do, but for those couple of hours, we sit in a circle, we relax and joke, catch up, talk about important things, silly things, we connect. It’s the best part of the week.