Rituals and Traditions

Rituals are a major part of my life. I personally like rituals that bring back good memories; things such as Christmas, Thanksgiving lunch, and eating Sabbath lunch at my cousin's house. Each situation is associated with consistent sights, sounds, and smells that all have to be Incorporated or the experience is not the same. I especially love the rituals the encompass the Christmas season--I even like all the commercialism. After Thanksgiving I start listening to Christmas music and watching Christmas movies on TV. When I go home I love seeing all the lights and hearing people talk about Christmas. All the good memories from past Christmases flood my mind and I feel like its finally Christmas. Rituals and traditions have a powerful impact on my life and they actually influence who I am as a person.

I think rituals can be used to better my life. Rituals are hard to maintain, but once it has become of the routine it becomes a necessity. One ritual that is worth starting is spending more time studying the bible in the evening. After school I tend to do my normal routine of homework and studying, but I think it would be advantageous if I could spend some time in the word of God.It would definitely be hard at first to keep up with the commitment, however with continual pursuit it will become part of my afternoon ritual.

One ritual I can take up that will add to the world is smiling and greeting people, even if they don't greet me back. This may sound simple, but I have a problem with saying hi to people because I'm afraid they won't say hi back to me. However I have earned that for the most part when you greet someone they will usually reciprocate the reaction. If I am friendly to others not only will I have an opportunity bring a little sunshine to someone's day, I will also make myself a little happier as well. I think rituals are important part of life, especially when good circumstances are associated with it.