Traditions are important. They tell us who we are and who we are becoming. Traditions connect us to our history, present and future. When celebrating them, we feel accepted, comfortable and safe.

When we were young, we all had traditions that were important to us. As we have grown older, we still celebrate many of them in new places and in different ways. But have you ever thought about creating your own traditions? It’s a fun practice and can bring you special memories! Here is how you can get started.

First of all, it is OK to try different ideas. Maybe you have got an idea you love, but no one else does. It’s fine to try something else. Remember that traditions can grow, develop and change over time. When your group size or interests change, you can change your tradition accordingly (相应地) to make it happen.

It’s a good idea to ask more people to create traditions together. The reason is that people will find a tradition more meaningful if they start it themselves. And there are many ways to let everyone take part. For example, you can invite people to help name the tradition or choose a date to celebrate.

Finally, traditions don’t have to be big things. Find something that is important and celebrate it. Pick a favorite holiday, or season and find something that your friends or family like and do it. You don’t have to start traditions on holidays, either. Just pick a restaurant to eat at every year on birthdays or go to the same place seasonally. Pick a night of the week and make it family night. Play a game, watch a movie or take a walk in a park, whatever works for your family. The most important thing is to find something that is meaningful and that people like.

Remember that the more joyous or fun a tradition is, the more likely your family and friends will want to keep it. Your traditions are just that—yours.

At many important dinners which take place on some special days, everyone around the table shares something they are thankful for. As we know, most can do this easily. It’s more important to know how to be thankful people all the time.

Be positive（乐观的）. No matter what happens, it’s best to remember the good things. Find the bright side in bad situations, and push back against negative（负面的）opinions. Also, do your best not to compare yourself with others. But when you’re around others, give expression to what you like about them. By keeping good in mind, you’ll give thanks for it even more than before.

Accept the negative. At the same time, we can’t pay no attention to bad things that have happened. We should learn from mistakes. It makes us become strong. Before we know it, we’re thankful for negative things, too. Our mistakes can also make us humble（谦逊的）, which is not all bad. Humble people have better relationships and see life’s blessings（祝福）much more clearly!

Acts of kindness. Thankful people know that it’s much better to give than to receive. When you’re thankful, you feel it’s your duty to show love to others. Some people volunteer to help people in need. Studies show that volunteers might feel happier and healthier.

Use of time. By spending time with others, you show them how much they mean to you. But being thankful is also better realized by spending time alone. When you’re alone, you can think about the best parts of your day. You can list them out and think them over. You can find your way to make thanksgiving a part of your life. How wonderful it is! Just enjoy it every day!