Traditions!!

Family traditions are the rituals, practices and beliefs of a family that are handed down from one generation to the next.

They can enrich families,

promote a feeling of closeness, and

strengthen family bonds.

They create emotional safety, security and fond memories.

Family traditions counter-act alienation and confusion. They help us define who we are; they provide something steady, reliable and safe in a confusing world.
- Susan Lieberman

Family traditions will also promote a sense of identity and feeling of belonging. They will enrich your family life and create love and harmony in your home. I love family traditions!! We have many as an extended family, our immediate family, and our children are now forming their traditions. Families are fun as they grow. My daughter-in-laws have introduced many new traditions into our family and have included us in the new traditions that they starting with my grandchildren!! I love it!!

Many years ago Jackie and I made a Christmas Quilt. It was one of the first large quilts we made together. We made it to put on the bed at Christmas time and whoever slept under it got to sign it on the back. Because my children live close, none of them have ever slept under it!! So sad!! We have put it on our bed this year and we will sign it when the season is over. Derick's family is coming for Christmas and they will get to sleep under it while they are here. They will have to give it up for a night or two so Tiff can use it too. It will be full of signatures for this year and I hope many years to come. (Jackie already has her's full of signatures!!)

Maybe someday we will sleep under Jackie's and they will sleep under ours!

We had so much fun making this quilt together!!

Three years ago a friend and I made disappearing nine-patch quilts. We both needed a table cloth for Christmas so we decided to use this quilt for that purpose. We had fun planning, finding fabric, measuring each of our tables, and putting the quilt all together. We took the tradition that I was supposed to start with my Christmas Tree Quilt and decided to use it on the tablecloth. I have many signatures on the back and for years to come I will enjoy seeing who has shared a Christmas meal at my table.

Because I made it so long ago I don't have any step by step pictures. The pattern is very simple. You make a nine patch. In my table quilt I put dark green in the center of the nine patch. Once your nine patch is made you cut it down the middle horizontally and then again cut it in the middle vertically. You can arrange your smaller squares in any pattern you would like. This is where a flannel board is great for planning out your quilt!!

A close up of the quilt!

I am set and ready for spending time with friends and family!!!

What are some of your favorite traditions with your quilts? We all have special stories!

Have a Merry Christmas Season with your holiday traditions!!

Luv ya, Jodi