What this picture is
This is a picture of my cousin Tim and his dad, my Uncle Tom, sitting at my grandparents' dining room table. They are each wearing aprons owned by my grandma. The table is covered with a Christmas tablecloth. On it are snacks set out for those anxiously awaiting Christmas dinner. I see my favorite snack and comfort food crackers and Kaukauna spreadable cheese. Behind Tim is my grandma's souvenir spoon collection, a tribute to her travels. Behind my uncle is a window fogged up a bit. Through it you can see the pine trees in the backyard. Under those trees is a statue of the blessed mother Mary that was placed there long before I was born.
Why I saved the picture
The smiles on the faces of my cousin and uncle and their relaxed postures signify two proud and content men. I know that they have been up for hours laboring with my grandma and others over the Christmas feast that will be served to three generations. Their experience tells them that this feast will be as good as those from all the years before. It will be a feast birthed from familial camaraderie and christened by happy banter. Soon, our family will be sitting joyfully around the long table in the basement, admiring the Christmas candles and delighting in the feast. It's special. It's tradition.
Create traditions that bring people together
We spend so much time doing individual tasks, often on our screens. Create traditions in your personal and professional lives that bring your people together IRL to acknowledge relationships developed over time. Give each person a role in event, whether it be in the planning, the execution or the memorializing of the event.
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