Tradition

This time of year is filled with traditions. A favorite visit, activity, meal or social event that happens every year and you count on it. For me, my brother and dad it's the annual father-son lunch on a Friday close to Christmas. This picture is from this year's lunch. I always make it a point to have someone else take our picture at the end of lunch.

The tradition started 35 years ago by a group of dads that thought it was a good idea for them to take their sons to a local restaurant on a December Friday afternoon to enjoy the holiday festivities. The event has grown over time and now 150+ grandfathers, sons and grandsons participate in the day at a much larger venue. Some of the original founders have passed and their contributions are recognized at the annual lunch. The sons from 35 years ago have sons of their own which means that the tradition is in good stead and sure to continue in the future.

Our family has been part of the lunch for the last 15 years. Aside from 2019 when my family and I were elsewhere and the pandemic year of 2020, the date is circled on the calendar well in advance. My brother and I are local to the event and dad moved south full-time almost 9 years ago. This year's event was no different. Dad got to see some old friends he might only see once a year. He loves the banter with his friends, their sons and now grandsons. He looked at me during the most recent lunch and said "I'm going to do this lunch as long as I can" to which I responded "we'll be right here with you".

Planning and preparation are two words we hear often this time of year. Somehow it's easier to plan than be prepared. This holds true in many personal and business aspects of life. Those that can successfully intertwine planning and preparation can enjoy greater fulfillment I find. From a business standpoint, I'm impressed with those that can focus on significant task like buying a home given all else going on around them as distractions. Their persistence will pay huge dividends on focusing now versus later when many others are sure to enter the mix.

"Be in the moment" is a phrase I say to myself often this time of year. I acknowledged it at the annual father son lunch and I aim to do it many times over between now and the end of the year. Blessings to you and yours this holiday season and may you revel in the traditions that make you happy.

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