Traditions, some old, some new

This is an area known for strongly held traditions.

Traditions like the Heritage Days parade, concerts in Marantette Park, Cabin Fever Days and North Fork Thanksgiving feasts.

Each of these events — and many others like them — are celebrated with gusto because they’re fun and it’s, well, tradition.

This Friday, Columbia Falls will celebrate the 25th annual Night of Lights parade. At 6:30 p.m., Columbia Falls will be bathed in light, bringing in the holiday season in sparkling, festive fashion.

For me, these traditions are a new and special treat. Growing up in a suburb of Denver, my “town” never had a unique identity. It never had its own parades and parties. Denver proper had the annual Parade of Lights, which is similar to Night of Lights, but I can’t recall ever going. Always too cold and a bit far away.

In the same vein, going to my high school football games was never a big deal. I went to a couple throughout my high school years, but they were never a priority. My team was never very good. I didn’t go to basketball games or wrestling matches. I went to my own swim meets, but that’s it. My high school was so big there wasn’t an emphasis on supporting the home team. The cheering section was large enough no matter if people like me attended the games or not.

So now, years after leaving home, I’m finally enjoying traditional town celebrations. And how lucky I feel to partake. It’s wonderful to be part of something larger than oneself, part of a celebration that has been happening every year for many years. It’s so fun to stand beside the road and watch the floats come by, waving at friends.

But traditions have to come from somewhere and I encourage readers to start some new traditions of their own this winter. Begin a family tradition of volunteering at the food bank on Thanksgiving. Start a tradition of a holiday game night with friends — a time to get together and laugh and forget about worries for a while. Start a tradition of giving a friend or family member the gift of knowing you donated to a good cause in their name. Donate to a food bank or local charity. Donate to Glacier National Park. Or broaden your gift giving by donating to Heifer International or Global Girlfriends. Isn’t that so much more meaningful than another DVD or another funky tie?

Or, if money is tight like it is for too many people around the valley, donate your time. Share with others the good fortune of good health by shoveling their driveway. Begin the tradition of reading a book to your child every night instead of watching another hour of TV. Spend dinner talking to your family members instead of eating on the run or in the car. Teach your child to cook.

I’m so thankful I live in a community with strong traditions. Let’s keep the traditions and cheer going for many years to come. And let’s add our own new traditions, too.