Creating a Tradition
December 27, 2007 by Deborah Ng
Filed under General
Every year my family likes to converge upon my Mom’s house for a second Christmas. You see, we all fulfill our inlaw obligations on Christmas day, the weekend after Christmas is for my mom. She likes this better because she gets us for a few days instead of the one holiday. We like it better because we don’t have to stress over pleasing everyone, and it gives us a few days to visit with each other and catch up.
My sisters and I like to arrive at Mom’s a couple of days early to give our kids a chance to bond and play together and so we can spend time together. The four of us are very close and the only time we’re all together is this one time each year.
Even though we enjoy the time we spend together, our kids can get bored. They range in age from 5 to early 20’s so you can imagine it’s hard keeping them amused as a group. We found a great way to do something together that appeals to all the ages. Bowling day.
This is our third annual bowling day, but it isn’t likely to be our last. I generally reserve the lanes a month ahead of time so we don’t have to worry about crowds or waiting in line. Paying for shoes, lanes, food and drinks for 14 to 20 people can get pricey sometimes. We found a way to rectify that too.
During our first bowling day, we bought food and drinks as we needed it. That meant lots of trips back and forth to the snack bar window. And spending lots of money. Now we reserve a full bowling party. We pay for lanes, shoes, pizza, drinks at a "per lane" cost that’s much cheaper than doing it all on an individual basis. Though my mother insists on this being her treat, if we were to all chip in it would be quite economical.
My family found a way for cousins of all ages to have fun together and enjoy each other’s company. What are your fun family traditions?
It sounds like your family really knows how to have a good time and enjoy the holiday together time.
My family goes bowling every sunday morning. The lane is only $10. for 2 hours for each lane. Shoes are free as well as coffee. We have a great time. Everyone in the family has gotten balls, shoes, bags, etc for every birthday & Christmas.
We went bowling too…and roller skating and laser tag. It was a blast! We went to a place here in Colorado called Fat City. There was something for everyone.