Page 66 - Senior Link Magazine Winter 2020- Lubbock Online Magazine

Focus
FAMILY
Old Traditions

Reimagined for Changing Times

by Joyce Herron
I biography. These were compiled and Share Collections – Like antique
am 89 years old and come from a
large, close-knit family. This year,
printed for the next generation.
dishes, old quilts, news clippings, letters,
the pandemic has forced us all to
make some changes in our traditions, Wooden Box – A special gift for a handmade toys, old pictures, books.
wedding or a new baby is a keepsake
but it is even more important that box to hold special letters and small Family Pictures – Print them and
we encourage families to stay close, gifts. share them.
make memories, and teach our Game Night
children family values and godly Keepsake Letters – I have a great Devotions or Book Night
principles. Following are some things grand who is four. I have written
we have done in our family. Perhaps several letters to him, including one for Letter Writing, Texting, Email
you can incorporate these or other him to read when he is 21. – Stay connected through the art of
ideas during the holiday season and A Yearly Scripture – Rather than writing.
throughout the new year. buying birthday cards, I write a letter The Elderly – Don’t forget those who
with encouraging words and explain the cannot get out. Take meals, help with
scripture I have chosen for the year. chores, video chat if possible.
Journaling – Everyone old enough to
write should be encouraged to record Family Recipes – Whether your
memories of good times, hard times, family’s recipes are new or 100
special events, even new normals. years old, compile the collection and It takes a little effort and creativity to
Sharing one another’s memories binds include notes of any interesting stories come up with new traditions that will
us together. connected. keep you connected to your loved
Family Archives – Each of my five Family Donations – of handmade ones, but you will be glad you did it.
siblings and I chose a grandparent or items, poetry, artwork, etc. can be
great grand to research and write their auctioned for good causes by the family.

66 Lubbock Senior Link