Traditions

"Chocolate Covered Cherry"

10" X 10"

Oil on double primed hardboard

$140.00

Winter is officially here in Central Illinois, albeit early. Temperatures have plummeted and we have already had two big snows - unusual for us. December has come in looking and feeling more like January.

This painting is of my sister Rhonda's favorite Christmas candy. There is not a Christmas that goes by that she doesn't include them in her goodie offerings.

My favorite thing to eat at Christmas are cut-out sugar cookies. Egg nog is also one of my favorites. No calories there! Ha!!

When my middle child is home we have to have French Breakfast Muffins on Christmas morning. It's just the tradition.

Traditions are interesting things. They are things that just "happen" in most cases. We don't usually start out planning for an item or event to be a tradition, but somehow a food or an event gets enjoyed and repeated and it becomes a habit and then becomes expected. In fact, it seems when we try and make or force a tradition it often fails. Traditions are interesting in deed.

I think it is important after the loss of a child (or other loved one) to continue with the important traditions, even if we don't feel like it. Traditions provide a certain security somehow and make the world feel "right", even when we are feeling so wrong. So I would suggest continuing the important traditions this holiday season. You don't have to do it all. Just pick out the ones that are most meaningful to your family and continue the tradition. I think it will help you all get through a difficult time.

I would like to know what some of your family traditions are this time of year.

God Bless,

Karla