SUSAN TIPPETT BRAITHWAITE

The Fabric of Family Traditions

Family traditions are the threads that weave the rich tapestry of our lives. They range from grand, festive celebrations to the simple, daily rituals that define our family identity. Here are a few of my favourites that bring warmth, laughter, and a sense of belonging to our family.

Black Forest Gateaux: A Sweet Celebration

Growing up, we didn’t have the money for ‘real’ birthday cakes, so special occasions were marked with the indulgence of frozen Black Forest Gateaux. Though rooted in humble beginnings, this tradition has survived the test of time. Jez, too, has embraced it with much joy and drooling, making it a cherished part of our life together.

The Art of Naming: Our Inanimate Companions

Every family has its quirks, and ours is no exception. Jez and I have a tradition of naming inanimate objects, imbuing them with unique personalities. Grogu, our wee car, is a prime example. He’s constantly embarrassed by our exuberant waves and often ‘demands’ to go and see his ‘twin’ in the next town. Okay, maybe we’re a bit weird, but isn’t that how most family traditions are?

Daily Walks: A Journey Through Memories and Nature

Walking is more than just exercise for us; it’s a bridge to the past and a path to shared experiences.  I love going for walks with my family. I used to go on long walks with my granda when I was young. He’d take me to beautiful parks and museums on our miles-long routes, sharing stories and sweets and taking a genuine interest in what I was doing in school.

My dad, an amputee, couldn’t walk too far, but he always made an effort to walk me to the swing park early on weekend mornings. Before returning home, we’d visit the local bakers and grab some sneaky treats of bridies and the occasional Paris bun, walking it off on the way home.

Now, Jez and I continue this tradition, exploring nature, capturing its beauty through photography, and, yip, even recruiting for our ‘squirrel army’ along the way.

You can see Jez’s shots of the sweet snowdrops he captured on one of our latest walks on his blog.

The Heartbeat of Our Family

These traditions, however quirky or simple, are the heartbeat of our wee family. They connect us to our past and brighten our present. How about you? Do you have any weird family traditions? Share them in the comments below!

Till next time, stay awesome!

Susan x