We’re really big on family traditions here at Metro Parent. We agree with the experts fully on this one: Whether based on generations-old practices or spontaneously created when you did something fun once and it stuck, traditions have many benefits – from making an event or season cherished and more meaningful to causing the family unit itself to be feel unique and special.
During the months of November and December, my immediate and extended families observe many traditions. One that I’m pretty sure most of you reading this have NOT made an annual family observance is this quirky practice: Every year since my sons were around the ages of 12 or 13 or so, we’ve been watching the movie “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” on Thanksgiving Eve.
If you’re not familiar with this film, let me give you a plot synopsis: It’s two days before Thanksgiving and Steve Martin is trying to get home to Chicago from New York where he’s attended a business meeting. But winter weather closes airports and he ends up in Kansas City where he joins forces with fellow stranded traveler John Candy. Over and over their travel plans are thwarted as they try alternative transportation methods (hence the title). In a nutshell, the movie provides hilarity – Martin and Candy are at their comic best – as well as a strong message about family and friendship.
The only reason that this movie is rated R instead of PG is due to a single two or three minute scene where the “F” word is used about 50 times. For several years we fast forwarded through that section of the movie. But my kids are now 19 and almost 17; they can handle the omitted scene (you have to see it to appreciate it, truly). The last couple of years we put the remote down and laughed our asses off. Our annual screening of Planes, Trains has become a cherished tradition that, for us, signals the beginning of the winter holidays.
What, you may be wondering, is my point here? I have several, actually: 1) just about anything can become a family tradition – even watching an R-rated movie with your tweens; 2) these traditions really do give your kids a special feeling about their families. My older son, now off at college, just called to say “Hey Mom, we’re watching “Planes, Trains” on Wednesday, right?”; and 3) whether it’s Planes, Trains on the night before Turkey Day or Thanksgiving morning football with the neighbors, you will never regret establishing family traditions and rituals. We guarantee it…
November 25th, 2008 | Category: Metro Parent
