“A happy hug is but an earlier heaven.”  ~ George Bernard Shaw

A ritual we’ve established is the “family hug.” When the family has been together for an event, whether it’s a holiday, a meal or another gathering, we conclude the evening by gathering in a giant ball. We put our arms around each other while saying “Family hug, family hug.” At first it was a little awkward, and even now a few eye rolls are typical. 

But family hugs serve a great purpose. It reminds us that we are family, that we care about and support each other. Whether it’s an aging parent, a niece getting ready to leave the nest for college, or a new baby getting ready to come into the world, the message is the same. We care about each other and agree to serve as anchors for each other. Yes, it’s a little unusual and we tease one another while we’re doing the family hug. 

The message however, is great, and it’s a source of comfort during challenging periods. We’ve established the tradition of a “family hug” and have found joy and value in that connection. This is what our family does. The point is to find ways and traditions to maintain the connection of family.