Growing up, my father was a disciplinarian. Although he never struck us, he threatened us with his belt or the pida, a Polish paddle defined as a wooden handle with leather straps. Again, he never hit us, but we were not allowed to defy the rules of the house. I grew up in a strict Polish Catholic environment, with thoughts of breaking the rules were not tolerated. But after becoming an adult and having kids of my own, the dynamics changed. No longer was my dad concerned about spilling milk or calling my sister a pig. He was the fun grandfather, with continual pranks and antics with the grandkids. This transformation is what I would like to be when the grandkids arrive.

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy  Kwanzaa, and Happy New Year to everyone.  Whatever holiday you are celebrating, be mindful of not allowing commercialization to get in the way of the traditions.  In 2021, everyone panicked about not getting gifts in time due to supply chain issues.  However, the gifts are not what is important.  It is getting together with family and friends with traditions old and new.  When you light a menorah, the seven candles, or the advent wreath, you are strengthening family bonds.  Traditions improve family stability, increase the feeling of belonging, and bring overall better well-being and health.

If you didn't raise your hand, I would share that once you get the "grandparent" moniker, you will be relegated to the "old" category. Yes, I know that it may be far from the truth, but as they say, perception is reality. A check of Merriam-Webster Dictionary tells us that "The definition of old is advanced in age or having been around for a while.”