Despite the many changes that are happening our country, it is still comforting to celebrate in the things that refuse to change — holidays. Family traditions are what I look forward to the most during this time of year. Whether it is enjoying flan after Thanksgiving dinner or putting up the Christmas lights the following night, I love every minute of our family traditions. And though tradition seems to have a slightly bad connotation to it in this country, I just want to point out several benefits it provides.

1. Unites people through a common activity

During most times of the year, most of us busy with work, school, or hobbies and usually fight to find time to spend with the people we really care about. But during Christmas, Thanksgiving, or even Easter, we are given time to spend however we wish. Whether you relish the home-cooked family meals or the time spent decorating the tree, you are being united with your family members in enjoying the same event.

2. It is a comforting constant

What I love most about the holidays is the fact that I can count on them coming around once a year. The constancy of tradition is its best quality. So many aspects of life change, but tradition always stays around no matter what happens in our lives. We can count on Christmas and Thanksgiving happening, and in my family, I can count on the food!

3. It is unique and united all at once

Another reason to cherish tradition is that everyone does it differently. My favorite tradition is putting up all of the Christmas decorations on the day of Thanksgiving and then ending the day with a sumptuous meal with friends and family. We have done it every year for as long as I can remember and I wouldn’t have it any other way. However, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter can look different for each person. And that is the beauty of tradition. While you know most of your country is celebrating the same holiday, they are doing differently. We are united, but unique all at once.