A family tradition can be rooted in anything — watching the same movie every Thanksgiving; making tamales at Christmas; carving ice lanterns in the depths of winter; or simply resolving to take a long family walk on New Year’s Day. But whether we’re joining a tradition shared by millions or building a family tradition of our own, a tradition is nothing more than the decision to carry something forward — because it brings joy, affirms our values, or pulls the generations closer. And the most rewarding part of the holidays is inducting our kids into the traditions we care about — and in the process, watching those traditions mix, merge and evolve to carry forward something essential and universal.