At this time of year we often think about family traditions. Our lake homes are often the center of the traditions and the center of our memories. Many of our readers have written to us over the years to tell us about their happy memories at their lake home. Many own lake homes so that they can pass on the happy traditions and cherished memories to their children, sharing the simple, carefree experiences they had when they were children. Whatever the traditions are isn't as important as simply having traditions;the ties that bind us together with our ancestors and with future generations.

There are probably many reasons that the lake home is central to these happy times; getting away from the day to day grind lets you focus on family and friends. The lake often lures us outdoors where we take part in wholesome activities like skating, sledding, bonfires, and such, and the atmosphere lends itself to warmth and family bonding. So why is it that these traditions have become so important to us? Why are we willing to go to the lengths of purchasing cabins, boats, and lake toys to spur on these traditions? What is it about a tradition that enables us to finally say "no" to the rest of our obligations and focus on our priorities?

Many experts have studied the importance of traditions. A recent review of the research by the American Psychological Association found that family routines and rituals are powerful organizers of family life that offer stability during times of stress and transition. Dr. Barbara Fiese states, "Rituals involve symbolic communication and convey 'this is who we are'as a group and provide continuity in meaning across generations. Also,there is often an emotional imprint where once the act is completed the individual may replay it in memory to recapture some of the positive experience." Even after the activity we can relive those happy moments gaining the same positive feeling we had as we took part in the activity. That positive feeling can help us deal with the stress of day to day life on an ongoing basis. What a wonderful thing to pass on to our loved ones!

The only thing you need to start a tradition is to do something with a predictable pattern. It can be something as simple as sharing a traditional meal,sharing in a traditional game or activity, making traditional phone calls to loved ones who are far away. Generally it is simply something that draws people together to spend time with one another. A lake home becomes invaluable when you realize that the reason you have it is to draw together your loved ones. Obviously you don't need a lake home to provide this, but it is often the main reason families purchase them. They provide a whole host of reasons to spend time together in fun ways. Traditions provide us with a way to keep family stories alive throughout the generations, a way for our children to know our grandparents, a way for cousins to reunite, a way for us all to stay close to one another.

Sandy Osborne, a Montana State University professor of human development and family science believes that time is at the heart of the best family traditions. Alyce Blackmon,chair of Northridge's Family Environmental Sciences Department says, "Family traditions are associated with joy and comfort, things we all need." And Carrie Saetermoe, a CSUN psychology professor states that holiday traditions are a symbol of continuity and security. They are routines that younger children and older children, especially teenagers, look forward to that lets them know that everything is going to be all right. And finally, Barbara K.Polland, child development professor and author, says, "Holiday traditions aren't so much about getting and doing things as they are about reminding ourselves how much we mean to each other." Isn't that something we are all trying to give to our children and other loved ones; a sense that the world is a good place, a sense that people are good,and a sense that they are loved and cherished?

Because of the importance of traditions, we have dedicated this issue to them. Refer to other articles in this issue for craft ideas. From craft ideas to gingerbread houses, from skating to caroling, it is all fun and important when you realize that it is a way of telling your loved ones they are special to you. Thank you to those of you who have shared your family traditions with us at Lakestyle. I invite all of you to continue to share your ideas with us. Perhaps we can start a new tradition of sharing those ideas with the rest of our readers each holiday season.

Celebrating Life on the Water,

Nancy Henke, Editor

By Nancy Henke