Holidays have always been a time for gathering, gratitude, and reflection, but they also serve as a canvas for family traditions. Over the past ten years, one of the most meaningful traditions in my life has been an annual ritual shared with my daughter. Every year since she was born, we’ve taken a photo of her next to the same-sized turkey.
At first, it was a fun way to mark her growth and add a playful element to our celebration. That 17-pound baby seated next to a 17-pound turkey seemed humorous and heartwarming. But as she grew—and so did the significance of this tradition—it became more than just a quirky photo. It became a reflection of the passage of time, a snapshot of our shared history, and a way to preserve the essence of what makes our relationship ours.
Why Traditions Matter
In a world where time feels fleeting, and distractions are constant, traditions anchor us. They give us something to look forward to, something to cherish, and something to pass down. For children, traditions are particularly powerful. They create a sense of stability, belonging, and identity. In many ways, they are the threads that weave together the fabric of childhood memories.
For me, this tradition of photographing my daughter next to the turkey has instilled a deeper appreciation for the beauty of change and the importance of consistency as a parent. Watching her pose each year, moving from tentative toddlerhood to the confident young person she is becoming, reminds me that while life is ever-evolving, the bonds we form and nurture remain strong.
Motherhood Lessons
This tradition has taught me to be intentional about time. Each year, as I prepare to take the photo, I reflect on my daughter’s growth and how I’ve grown as a mother and person. It’s a pause in the business of life to appreciate the present moment. It’s also a reminder of how fleeting childhood is and how important it is to soak in all the small moments.
For years, the turkey photo tradition felt like one more thing on a never-ending holiday to-do list. Yet I was reminded why it mattered every time we looked back on those photos. The joy of my daughter giggling over her silly poses, the memories of past celebrations, and the quiet pride of knowing we’ve kept this tradition alive makes the effort worth it.
Building Your Traditions
Not all traditions need to be elaborate or rooted in generations of family history. Some, like ours, start with a simple idea and grow into something cherished. Whether it’s baking a special holiday dish, writing gratitude letters, or setting aside time for a family game night, what matters most is the intention behind it.
For those looking to create new traditions, here are a few tips:
- Start Small: Choose something meaningful but manageable.
- Be Consistent: Repetition is what transforms an activity into a tradition.
- Make It Personal: Tailor your tradition to your family’s unique interests and values.
- Embrace Imperfection: Life isn’t perfect, and traditions don’t need to be either. What matters most is the connection they foster.
Looking Forward
As I prepared for this year’s photo, I was struck by how much this simple act has come to mean. It’s a reminder of gratitude—not just for the holiday but for the journey of motherhood, the memories we’ve created, and the promise of the many holiday seasons still to come.
Traditions can ground us, teach us, and bring us closer together, no matter how small or whimsical. Sometimes, they also provide a priceless collection of moments frozen in time, much like the turkey that started it all.
What traditions do you cherish?
XOXO,
Your Fashion Bestie
