Family Traditions

Over the last several months Dan and Laura have been learning about each other’s families and the rich history and traditions with in them.  He coming from a family of preachers who faithfully pursued God’s will for themselves and shepherded congregations.  She lives in a long line of teachers who have guided and directed thousands of students over the years.  There have even been several intersections of their families over the years.  While on furloughs, Dan’s family spoke at the cherished country church Laura’s grandpa and mother attended.  When Laura’s mom went to a small Christian college in Kentucky, she lived with Dan’s grandparents who housed the over follow from the girls’ dorm.

The holidays are laced with countless family traditions.  The special dish that sets on every Thanksgiving table, the process families use to open gifts on Christmas morning are among those annual traditions coming with us to our marriage.  I, Laura, was graciously ushered into Wilson family birthday celebrations full of special birthday cakes, honor meals, and a secret way of giving of presents (I shouldn’t divulge that secret) over the last year.  However, I should have run and hid when I was told we would be playing an old family game called “Pinchy-Whinchy.”

The game began in a circle with me being told that I was not allowed to laugh and smile over the duration of the game.  For those who know me, know that me not smiling or laughing for any longer than 27 seconds is nearly impossible!  Nonetheless I sat in the circle working my way through the rounds.  I was feeling good about my performance when I made the Master of the Game, Dan’s dad, laugh.  Little did I know that I was the source of the laughter because I was being marked!  I won’t tell you who marked me (but I am going to marry him with year).  

As you can see from the pictures, so was another victim.  Perhaps that was the great part of this tradition.  As new people are initiated into families, the already entrenched find renew laughter in sharing what makes each family unique.

Side note: I begun a new tradition with Dan and I.  I, for the first time, beat him at a board game.  Up to that moment I have graciously accepted my defeat.  However, on this night I not only beat him by two points, but also won against the entire family.  Thus establishing my dominance in Scattergories … which I am sure, will be challenged at the next family gathering.