Some family traditions are worth keeping

Family traditions reveal what we value enough to repeat, and – if done with love – build warm, happy associations.

~ Daniel Willingham

My husband’s paternal grandmother was a teacher. She started an annual spring extended-family theatre and meal reunion in Stratford over 50 years ago.

Upon passing in her mid-nineties, she left a trust fund to help maintain the tradition.

My mother-in-law took over coordinating the event until last year - a demanding task as the family grew over five decades.

Sadly, she will not be attending this year. Since the end of February, at the age of 87, she has been in and out of various hospitals and is now temporarily in a rehabilitation centre. Thankfully, another family member stepped in to plan this year’s event.

Months before the gathering, the family coordinator chooses a venue for dinner and asks that we select from a matinee performance (there are several to choose from) and preferred menu options.

We have many fond memories of our reunions.

At two-and-a-half years of age, I remember our son quietly sliding up and down the stairs near our aisle, thoroughly enjoying Fiddler on the Roof. He has loved theatre ever since.

One year, during the intermission, some family members had the privilege of a free impromptu Justin Bieber concert outside one of the theatres.

Last year, we brought our three-year-old granddaughter, who, like her uncle, now absolutely loves live theatre. She happens to have been born on Shakespeare’s birthday.

We’re very excited to enjoy theatre through her eyes and look forward to having her two-year-old sister join us next year.

Childhood experiences of family togetherness and tradition create a sense of safety and belonging, helping individuals develop resilience, empathy, and the ability to navigate relationships throughout their lives.

No matter how challenging, some family traditions are worth keeping.