When we look back and think about our warm, silly memories with our families many seem to be rooted in our family traditions. Many of those traditions happen during "the Ber Months" of September, October, November, and December. They're busy, they're crazy, and we wouldn't want them any other way! From apple picking in September to rotating Thanksgivings between our family and others, fall and early winter are heavy with traditions and family time.
Traditions
Growing up Halloween was pretty standard. It was something that we did, but it wasn't a big deal. Now, it's a BIG DEAL for our family! Even when dating, Kelley and Chris did themed costumes and now with Henry, not to mention our fur babies, EVERYONE is in on the fun! From Marvel (twice!) to Star Wars, to The Incredibles, to Disney's Zombies, on Halloween night there is much fun to be had by all!
Growing up, we have come to learn, all that "Christmas magic" we felt as a kid was really our mothers who loved us. In our house, we believe in mischief, antics, and shenanigans. But most of all, we believe in the magic of Christmas! One Christmas Eve, my nephew and Chris went for a walk. My mother and I were finishing up Christmas dinner before the rest of the family arrived. While being "busy", I don't know how Santa quietly arrived with all those presents, but the look on my nephew's face when he returned from that walk was priceless!
Our Catholic faith is part of our inherited experiences. Being Catholic is part of our family’s DNA even if Catholicism is not central to our lives. And because we believe in God who is good and loving, we are inspired to continue to give Henry a foundation of something greater. We are practicing Catholics, even if we’re not very good at it! For us, the rites of passage of baptism, confession, 1st Holy Communion, and if our children choose Confirmation, and marriage are signs of growing up and being a part of an imperfect community striving to do better for humanity.
