Traditions--Old and New

Traditions are scaffolding that we can build our life around. They can be there when we don't know what else to do (funeral rituals after the death of a loved one). Or make life more fun, connecting far away people. My sister and I celebrating the change of each season. Skirts to mark the summer solstice. Paint our nails the season's “hottest” shade & pin the most beautiful leaf we can find to our shirts--broach style-- to mark the arrival of autumn. Winter means pulling out a lovely scarf to adorn our necks. And spring calls for a ribbon in our hair. Even though we are hours apart, traditions like these unite us, pull us together in proximity. Namely when you both get end of day comments on the wilted leaf you have on your shirt. “Do you know it’s there?”

They can create space for interaction. I read once of a family that takes “moon walks”--with each full moon, to get out and appreciate it. I have since proposed it to my husband as something I would like to institute. After all, it is only ten minutes and so much beauty. Surely we can afford this with regularity. Our first was on New Year’s Eve this year. Conveniently, in West Palm Beach. (It will be more interesting when we are "appreciating" Ohio's long, frigid winters in person.) We walked to the top of a high bridge and felt the wind washing over us, bay water below. Fireworks all around.

It was a good kick of party to the moon walk tradition.

Traditions can give us something to count on and look forward to. They can be utterly simple, but offer much joy. Thursday dinner with friends. Decaffeinated coffee in the evening. Checking the mail together when we are both finally home from school and work.

As I think about the future possibility of having children, these are the things I want to incorporate. A structure that they know they can count on. It is not so rigid that it can’t be changed. Not the foundation. Just scaffolding. Building higher, stronger.

* * *

My mother-in-love informed me shortly after being engaged that it was family tradition for
Maple nut twists to be made by the women in the family for every big holiday.

Christmas.

Easter.

Thanksgiving.

("and sometimes others" it was noted on the recipe.)


My first thought, great. I love expectations. Especially gendered ones.

Though we sometimes fall into the typical gender roles because of our honed skills and developed abilities (thank you, mini play-kitchen), I strongly protest being put there by anyone.

Initially unsure of the commitment, I went for it. This is a tradition, not an expectation.

I bought yeast to use for the first time since high school Nutrition class.

And put it together something like this:

Maple Nut Twists

1 pkg yeast softened in ¼ c. warm water

¼ c. butter

3 T sugar

1 ½ t salt

½ c scalded milk

Stir 2 eggs into softened yeast. Gradually add 3 ¼- 3 ½ c flour to form a stiff dough. Beat well after each addition. Cover with saran. Let rise in warm place until light (1-1 ½ hours).

In another bowl:

Cream 3/8 c. softened butter.

Add:

¾ c packed brown sugar

½ c white sugar

3/8 c pure maple syrup

3 T flour

¾ t cinnamon

¾ t maple flavoring

¾ c chopped nuts

Divide dough in half. Roll out into 10x14 inch rectangles. Spread with filling. Roll up starting with the 14 inch side. Cut lengthwise. Twist together, keeping cut side up. Shape into a right and place into a well greased 8” or 9” round pan. Let rise (~45 min)

Bake at 325 degrees for 25 minutes. Drizzle with powdered sugar icing. Yum!

* * *

I was leery of the outcome because I bought a super quick yeast, which had me rearranging the recipe order. This is not good when one is already anxious and not confident in his or her Maple nut twisting skills! I decided I’d serve it whichever way it came out. It would at least be a good story. However, I opened the oven and found this.

I shrieked. Beautiful!

My husband was delighted at the smell. We drove a few hours that night to my parent’s home. My father, knowing nothing of my expedition, said I smelled like pancakes as he hugged me hello.

Thanks dad.

We shared the twists over coffee with my family on Christmas eve, which was a great kick off to family festivities. They loved it.

I texted my mom in love a picture. She forwarded it on to all her sisters.

Traditions bringing families together.

I’ll keep it. Thank you.