Every change of season, I buy my kids packs of stickers that match the theme. On the first day of the new season, they place the stickers on pictures they draw themselves.

It’s just a fun way to bring in the different season, and a small tradition they look forward to.

Something so inexpensive and simple, has brought a lot of joy into our home over the years. I find that traditions give security.

In these times we’re living in, a lot of traditions are under threat of being taken away. I think now, more than ever it’s important to strengthen our traditions. Whether it’s something as silly as a pack of stickers every season, or the significance of making sure to spend Christmas with your extended family, these traditions, these consistencies, these familiar joys we look forward to, not only give us security, but also identity, and hope.

That’s why I believe they’re under attack.

Without identity, a culture is weak.

I’m certain that everyone reading this has a favorite tradition from their childhood that they can reflect on with warmth and joy.

For me, there’s a cul-de-sac in my hometown, and every house on it goes all out for Christmas. When I say they go all out, think Griswold.

This tiny cul-de-sac was coined Candy Cane Lane. When I was a child, my family made it a point to wait in the long line of cars to drive down it at least once, every year. Sometimes there’d be Santa Claus, handing out miniature candy canes. One time I even saw a group of carolers. Most of the homes decorated the same every year. It was beautiful, it was fun, it was consistent.

It was something I looked forward to all year, and I even remember the smell.

Some traditions carry great significance, like Christmas, these are holidays entire people and cultures hold dear for generations.

These days should be remembered and observed in every generation by every family, and in every province and in every city. Esther 9:28 NIV

There is nothing wrong with carrying a tradition.

Consistent celebrations, especially when praising God, and spending time with family, should be respected in every culture.

We should’t be expected to let our traditions go.

The warmth that comes from a family tradition will last a lifetime.

If you don’t have one now, make one.

You don’t have to live near an entire cul-de-sac of decorative elves to make a family tradition. You just need the ability to plan, consistency, and maybe, some stickers.

Kimberly Humphreys