Traditions

Now that I am older, I have realized that my family created all sort of traditions. At the time, I never knew that my parents were passing on a tradition their family passed on to them. Looking back now, it is very apparent. I try to provide this same torch passing tradition with my daughter. It's a little more complicated with my daughter though.

My ex-wife has a different cultural background than I do. Her current husband has a very similar background as my ex-wife, so they have similar traditions. This creates some conflict at times because I want my daughter to experience my traditions. Well, I'm sure her mother would like her to follow her traditions.

I read a book last year that explained how young women were strongly influenced by their fathers. Since she is with her mother more than me, I can only hope some of that influence is stuck within my daughter's subconscious. I like to think that I have a positive influence on her life. After all, she did get my intelligence and good looks (typing while looking at myself in the mirror). Damn I look good... where was I?

Oh yeah, my influence. Seriously, my daughter has this wonderful opportunity to experience both sides of her heritage and pick the best of both worlds. That is a rare experience I hope she takes advantage of and make the most of it.

I don't know where all of this came from all of a sudden. The thought just popped into my head. We are going Christmas tree shopping tomorrow. We started a new tradition this year to pick an ornament together and put it on the tree. Every year, we are going to pick an ornament out together (or make an ornament) and put it on the tree. Over the years, the tree will be filled with dozens of ornaments that we picked together. If she ever has children (who am I kidding. she's has mexican heritage in her. she's going to have kids sooner or later), she can show them the ornaments that we have collected over the years. That seems like a really good memory to have when she is older. Being a parent really does change my outlook on the holidays. It's not about the gifts or the time off, but about friends and family.