It seems everyone I talk to are so hooked on the old family traditions of the holidays. I do believe traditions are great and I like especially to see the children have them instilled but then on the other hand there are times to make new traditions. When you think about it …the traditions need to have started somewhere and why not start now?? I see some people who are older and maybe do not have much family left or feel sad to do the same tradition without their loved ones around but feel obligated to carry on in the same fashion. Well I say NO….it is times to step out of the box and start you own tradition……   Don’t allow old traditions to become permanent mental scripts for managing your life in the present. Reason: you will not be able to transform yourself to think differently and be better as you grow with age and maturity. Darren L Johnson    

Sometimes people in families feel threatened by the “good person” in the family doing all the good deeds. Yes I have used the word good very often but for a reason….. Recently a friend of mine had an argument with her daughter. The daughter felt all her father did was help the people around him and she felt he did not give his daughter the same care as the strangers.   Now knowing her father I can attest he is a very caring man both towards the people he helps and his family. He is always there for his daughter and her family.   I think when it comes to our immediate family sometimes we find it hard when they reach out to other people because it takes the precious minutes away from them.   I remember when my father remarried I was always trying to be around him and his new wife as to be close and not lose one minute of his time.   So when your child is angry at you for spending too much time with some else it is most likely because they love you very much and need some more time!     A family is a risky venture, because the greater the love, the greater the loss… That’s the trade-off. But I’ll take it all. Brad Pitt