The Origins and Meaning of a Family Tradition
One of my family’s traditions is opening one gift earlier than Christmas day, to be exact, on Christmas Eve. The opening then immediately becomes part of the upcoming Christmas Day. Once, the gift was pajamas for all family members, and everyone wore them the next day.
Although the tradition does not have a long-lasting history or cultural value, it is essential for my family. It was passed on to us by a grandfather who wanted to open gifts earlier. As a kid, his parents allowed that, and it translated into the family tradition. Although it does not have a sacred meaning, it still provides a sense of family belonging and helps pass on family values, such as care and respect for each other.
Symbolism and Cultural Significance of Gift-Giving
The act of using presents on Christmas day also symbolizes appreciation. It shows our gratitude for our presents and brings more positive emotions towards the event. I can’t imagine Christmas Day without an open gift. It builds meaningful relationships between parents and children.
The positive image of Christmas day becomes a vital association with family, which becomes engraved. Since it is not a tradition passed from cultural and ethnic heritage, it does not directly affect the lifestyle. Bau and Fernandez (2022) point out that cultural and ethnic traditions have more power in influencing the lives of family members and usually play an essential role in decision-making. Still, this tradition is symbolic and does not influence important family decisions.
Traditions in the Evolving Family Structure
Different forms and structures exist within given traditions, and their future is ambiguous. The chapter by Puruhito (2023) mentioned that families could be understood from the perspective of changes, which challenge old forms and ideals of that social structure. However, some family features are preserved with their values. Although children’s perceptions have also changed from the previous century, there is still great emphasis on their innocence and clear minds.
In this sense, my family’s tradition is what I will carry to my future family. It would also become an essential part of bonding and the memory my future children will keep for future generations. Preserving specific traditions by explaining their meaning and value to the family is possible. Although it can be lost within the coming generation, it can also be preserved to become more critical in family connections.
There are no aspects of this tradition that can be changed. The practice can be kept for future generations in the form it is preserved nowadays. However, it does not mean that values and family structure should be the same in the future. In their book,White et al. (2018) describe families as a non-monolithic structure that changes over time. There are no specific norms and rules that individuals should follow to become family members.
Instead, it is more about their perception of family values. It also explains this tradition’s perspective since practices are meant to be efficient if the actors believe in their importance. However, this tradition will not be forced unless family members accept it. It can be fairly taken if future generations decide to abandon the tradition. This is because the family as a structure and a form is constantly evolving, and it can be sought for the necessity of connection through practices and abandoned due to its outdated nature.
References
Bau N. & Fernandez R. (2022). Culture and the family. National Bureau of Economic Research. 1-51.
Purihito K. (2023). Images, ideals, and myths. [PowerPoint slides], 1-12.
White J.M., Martin T.F. & Adamsons K. (2018). Family theories: An introduction (5th ed.). Sage.